SIN PADRES NI PAPELES: Stephanie Canizales on the Lives of Unaccompanied Migrant Youth

Writer's Voice with Francesca Rheannon

Sociologist Stephanie Canizales examines the lives of unaccompanied migrant youth in her groundbreaking book, Sin Padres Ni Papeles. Drawing from years of immersive research in the Pico-Union neighborhood of Los Angeles, Canizales sheds light on the systemic challenges these young people face, from exploitative labor conditions to emotional isolation.

She connects their experiences to historical U.S. policies in Central America and Mexico, revealing the deep ties between migration, policy, and economic inequality. This conversation explores resilience, identity, and what must change to ensure justice for migrant communities.

“The conditions that force young people to migrate aren’t inherent to them—they’re rooted in histories of U.S. intervention and inequality.” — Stephanie Canizales

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Key Words: Stephanie Canizales, Sin Padres Ni Papeles, unaccompanied minors, migrant youth, labor exploitation, U.S. immigration policy, Central America migration, systemic inequality, undocumented workers, migration

Key Topics

• The personal and structural factors driving unaccompanied migration from Central America and Mexico
• The emotional and material struggles of unaccompanied youth in the U.S.
• Historical U.S. policies and their impact on migration patterns
• The role of labor exploitation and systemic inequality in shaping migrant experiences
• The intersection of identity, resilience, and community among unaccompanied minors
• Broader implications for U.S. immigration reform and social justice

Read an excerpt from Stephanie Canizales’ Sin Padres Ni Papeles to explore the untold stories of unaccompanied migrant youth.

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