Promoting civic engagement

(Press-News.org) A new pilot study examining how immigrant residents engage with city services and government processes in Long Beach suggests that heightened federal immigration enforcement is undermining democratic participation, even among U.S. citizens who fear for undocumented family members.

The pilot research, conducted by UC Irvine scholars in partnership with three Long Beach community organizations (Filipino Migrant Center, Latinos in Action California, and United Cambodian Community of Long Beach), interviewed 24 Cambodian, Filipino, and Latinx residents and identified three critical barriers:

feelings of intimidation and lack of trust; knowledge gaps about available services; and practical constraints such as language barriers and transportation challenges. “Never once in my life did I ever think I would have to be one of those people that has to look over my shoulder because ICE would be there,” one study participant shared, reflecting widespread anxiety documented in the report.

The six-month pilot study, funded by the Haynes Foundation's Democracy and Good Governance program, was led by Susan Coutin, professor of criminology, law and society, and doctoral student Jahaira Pacheco, along with  the community organizations.

The research team, which included Coutin, Pacheco, Jen Benitez, Sophea Chim, Karla Jimenez, Jose Perez, Rathana So and Jaz Tabar, revealed that participants had strong ties to Long Beach, with many having lived in the city for decades, raised families there and contributed through volunteer work.

Study participants cited the city’s diversity and cultural communities as major draws. But, current immigration enforcement activities have created what the researchers describe as “a climate of fear that extends beyond undocumented residents.”

Several study participants reported staying home whenever possible, avoiding government buildings and public spaces like parks, and relying on relatives for groceries and transportation.

The research team found that feelings of intimidation often stemmed from traumatic histories in participants' countries of origin. Regarding the Cambodian community, one study participant noted: “There also is an undercurrent of trauma that leads to this mentality of wanting to be hospitable but also invisible.”

Knowledge gaps also emerged as another barrier.

When researchers asked participants whether they had attended city council meetings to give public comments, some responded, “you can do that?” according to the report.

Practical constraints including childcare responsibilities, work schedules that conflicted with city office hours and language barriers further prevented engagement. One newcomer recalled walking two hours each way to her job because she didn’t understand the bus system when she first arrived in Long Beach.

Despite identifying significant barriers, the study also highlighted successful practices. Participants repeatedly praised Long Beach public libraries as exemplary institutions that provide welcoming, accessible services, Coutin said. “We repeatedly heard that study participants appreciated the libraries’ supportive, culturally relevant programs.”

Based on their findings, the research team recommends three strategies that study participants found effective:

Adopt trauma-informed practices. Researchers emphasized the effectiveness of acknowledging that immigrant residents may have experienced trauma and creating welcoming environments. Strengthen communication pathways. The study advocates for working through trusted community institutions and using multiple outreach methods, including flyers for those who aren’t digitally connected. Codesign processes. Participants emphasized the value of direct collaboration between city officials and residents. The study interviewed residents ranging in age from 18 to 85, with a median age of 39. The sample included people across gender identities, occupations, and immigration statuses. Interviews were conducted in English (62.5%), Spanish (20.8%), and Khmer (16.7%), generating about 500 pages of transcripts.

One study participant emphasized the importance of community-based volunteer opportunities.

Regarding the organization at which the participant volunteers, this respondent said: “We provide people with information and resources about events that will be held and what help is available.”

Other participants agreed, highlighting the crucial role community organizations play as bridges between residents and city services.
The researchers hope to expand the study with additional funding to include focus groups, surveys, and a larger sample size, as well as interviews with city officials and employees.

“Supporting immigrants’ civic engagement is key to strengthening democracy and good governance,” the report concludes. “If these goals can be achieved anywhere, it is in Long Beach, a highly diverse city with a history of supporting immigrants.”
— Mimi Ko Cruz

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