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Jade Kluver

Abstract

The purpose of this ethnographic study is to describe the effects of the Trump Administration’s change in immigration policies on Romanian H-2B workers in South Florida. The effects of administration change on the H-2B program is generally defined within three themes that emerged from my research: The change in the concept of cultural space and how enforcement plays a role in the creation of boundaries; how policy change has an influence on migrant workers’ concept of identity and belonging; and lastly, how the program and outlying forces create a culture of uncertainty and fear. The article is based on three months of participant-observation, data from interviews and surveys, and analysis of this qualitative data in relation to the anthropological literature in particular as well as other sources pertaining to the immigration debate. The study of the experiences of this specific population, may help inform policies on foreign migrant workers within the H-2B program particularly, given the current political climate for NGOs involved in the support of immigrant communities; encourage further research within academic realms, and foster an understanding of the experience of this specific population within the visa program.

Author Biography

Jade Kluver is a graduate of Bridgewater State University with a degree in Cultural Anthropology. This research project was completed in the fall semester of 2017 under the mentorship of Dr. Diana Fox (Anthropology). Jade’s involvement in social justice related groups while on campus helped form her interest in issues such as immigration. Currently, Jade resides in Florida with her husband and daughter. She looks forward to pursuing a Master’s degree and PhD with a focus in topics related to social justice and immigration.

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