Date of Award

Spring 5-19-2026

Access Restriction

Research Projects

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Marital and Family Therapy

School or College

College of Communication and Fine Arts

First Advisor

Joyce Yip Green

Abstract

This phenomenological arts-based research sought the understanding of the implications and effects of the current immigration policies on the daily lives of Los Angeles County residents. The research question includes: What are the experiences & impacts of the immigration policies on residents of LA County? By centering the voices of Angelenos, this research aims to illuminate the ways immigration policies shape daily experiences, sense of safety, family and community relationships, and overall well-being, while amplifying narratives that are often underrepresented in traditional policy analysis. Art making and structured interviews were individually conducted with fourteen participants sourced through community-based recruitment. Participants' ages ranged from 22 to 52, and consisted of U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, DACA holders, and Temporary Visa holders. Participants were born both inside and outside of the U.S. Through iterative thematic analysis of interviews overall participants reported experiencing distrust, a loss of safety and agency, and disruption of the attainment of the American Dream. Data revealed heightened levels of fear and a perceived erosion of community support. Findings show increased hypervigilance has led participants to disengage from extracurricular daily activities and retreat into isolation. Arts based analysis found repeated imagery of animal metaphors, faith-based imagery, commentary on both America and its leadership, family, and immigrant roles.

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