The MMFRP trains the next generation of immigration scholars and advocates. 90% of our student researchers are immigrants or children of immigrants. Our alumni go on to careers in law, policy, healthcare, education, and academia.
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Director: Abigail Andrews
Dr. Abigail Andrews is an expert in immigration, gender, and state violence. She is an Associate Professor of Urban Studies and Planning at UCSD and an alumna of the MMFRP (2010-2011). She has directed the program since 2018.
Fieldwork Director: Ana López Ricoy
Ana is a PhD candidate in Sociology. She has taught and participated in MMFRP since Winter 2019.
I was born and raised in Mexico City. I discovered the fascinating and complex context of the US-Mexico border in 2018, when I arrived in San Diego to study my PhD in Sociology at UCSD. Previous to this, I worked in social justice organizations doing fundraising and community engaged research. I also have experience with popular education projects and literacy campaigns. Therefore, being part of the MMFRP has always meant doing the type of research I find most meaningful, as well as finding an awesome community of passionate people. I also love how much it teaches me about migration, collaboration and grassroots organizing.
Fieldwork Coordinator: Aleida López
Aleida is a 4th-year Sociology major.
I was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. My mother migrated from El Salvador in 1980 in order to escape the war that was happening in her country. As a result, I have been able to access resources that she never had. I am passionate about seeking justice for the immigrant community as the crisis at the border continues today. I am honored and excited to be part of MMFRP and recognize the value of this program, as it is allowing me to become more aware of the current state of the immigration population. After undergrad, I hope to attend graduate school and pursue a career in social work.
Student Researchers
We accept up to 40 graduate and undergraduate student researchers a year. Students apply in a competitive process and commit to joining the team for a year. More than 90% of our student researchers are Latine, first-generation college students. Most grew up in California to immigrant parents from Mexico or Central America. All are bilingual in Spanish and English.
Alumni
MMFRP alumni are prominent leaders in the field of immigration, with many going on to careers as immigration advocates, lawyers, policymakers, scholars, doctors, public health leaders, educators, social workers, and more.
If you are an alumn and would like to connect, please find us on Twitter @ucsdmmfrp, Instagram @ucsd_mmfrp or Facebook UCSD Mexican Migration Field Research Program.
Staff
The MMFRP is administered by Ana Minvielle-Blakesley at the Center for Comparative Immigration Studies at UCSD.
Mexican Migration Field Research Program 