Conceptualizing and detailed design of the . Designing with Microsoft Co-Pilot for technology and Accenture engineering.
How might we empower and support kids of undocumented immigrants to enhance their childhood experience?
Brief
Immigration in the United States is a complex and multifaceted issue that has been a subject of debate and contention for many years.
Design a strategy that empowers undocumented immigrants.
Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigration Responsibility Act
The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (IIRAIRA) strengthened U.S. immigration laws, adding penalties for undocumented immigrants who commit crimes while in the United States or who stay in the U.S. for statutorily defined periods of time.The Act was designed to improve border control by imposing criminal penalties for racketeering, alien smuggling and the use or creation of fraudulent immigration-related documents and increasing interior enforcement by agencies charged with monitoring visa applications and visa abusers.
Design Process
We followed Strategic design process created by our instructor - Nathan Shedroff. This process to help designers better understand the business model and to have a seat at the strategic level in a business.
Stakeholder mapping
In order to understand the immigration system in the U.S., we looked at both documented and undocumented immigrants.
Since undocumented immigrants undergo more challenges, we knew that it'll be more impactful to focus on undocumented immigrants.
Out of all the stakeholders for undocumented immigrants, these are the most influential ones
Trends analysis
Interviews
To get a more grounded understanding, we interviewed 12 people that are parts of the immigration system. They were attorneys, educators, DACA recipients, NGO founders and undocumented residents.
Key Insights
There was this sense of distrust and fear of being caught.
The children of undocumented immigrants had to grow up quickly in order to support their parents.
// Scope narrowed to undocumented youth.
Online ethnography
Children of undocumented immigrants on 'X'
Some common threads talked about language barriers, limited access to education, fear of deportation, young kids taking care of their siblings, feeling isolated, alone, and parents being deported.
The Marshall Project's film series "We Are Witnesses: Becoming an American" tells the harrowing, sad, and inspiring stories of immigrants in the US.
These videos gave us a glimpse into the depth of fear of deportation and the joy of becoming a citizen. We gained a better understanding of why people come to the US, and these stories helped us understand what it is like to become an American today.
Why are parents risking their's and their children’s lives?
Running away from brutal violence and gangs
Better job opportunities
Corrupt governments
In search for a better life
Why should we as a society care about undocumented youth?
The discrimination, isolation and fear that they go through should not be experienced by any child in our society.
Our society should value their rights, mental health needs and wellbeing as it benefits all of us in the long-term.
They should be given the opportunity to thrive and succeed regardless of their documentation status.
Current experience waveline
In the current experience, an undocumented child has a tough time adjusting to their new life.
Porposed strategy
A mentorship program had the greatest potential to help these children. The main components of this strategy are:
Brand awareness campaign - in order to build awareness we will target parents, children and mentors. Matchmaking process - how we pair the children with the mentors Training manual - The mentors will have a training manual so that they are better prepared to address the needs of these children. Digital Platform - Allows kids and mentors to schedule meetups. Kids can also hangout with each other online.
Potential experience waveline
Trailblazer's Mentorship Program
This program will connect these children with adult mentors who can serve as positive role models, offer guidance and resources, and help them navigate the various obstacles they may encounter.
