Stanford Professor Examined Immigrant Surveillance
Asad Asad discussed how Latino families navigate state surveillance in a lecture at Boston College.
Updated on Oct. 4, 2026 in Immigration
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Stanford University sociology professor Asad Asad recently delivered a lecture at Boston College regarding his research on how Latino immigrant families manage surveillance in their daily lives. The talk examined findings from his book, Engage and Evade, detailing the complex strategies families use when interacting with public resources.
Why it matters
The research highlights how Latino non-citizens face a disproportionate risk of deportation compared to other immigrant groups. By documenting how these families navigate systemic oversight, the work sheds light on the challenges faced by mixed-status households in the United States.
From 2011 to 2018, Latino non-citizens made up 65 percent of the undocumented population vulnerable to deportation. Researcher Asad Asad interviewed 28 immigrant families to gather data on their daily interactions with law enforcement.
The players
Asad Asad
He is an associate professor of sociology at Stanford University and the author of Engage and Evade: How Latino Immigrant Families Manage Surveillance in Everyday Life.
Boston College
It is a private Jesuit research university in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, that hosted the lecture.
The details
Asad Asad, an associate professor at Stanford University, analyzed how Latino families manage the constant threat of surveillance while attempting to access essential public programs. The study specifically focused on immigrant families in Dallas, Texas, some of whom included children born in the United States.
Timeline
The study analyzed demographic and deportation statistics recorded between 2011 and 2018.
Asad delivered his lecture at Gasson Hall on September 28, 2026.
Political Context
Critics of the current immigration surveillance model argue that focusing exclusively on administrative data overlooks the localized community harms that contribute to social isolation. These advocates maintain that policies prioritize deportation quotas over the stability of mixed-status families.
Families navigating public programs or law enforcement interactions may face increased scrutiny due to their immigration status. Residents are encouraged to understand their rights when engaging with local government and public assistance systems.
The takeaway
Understanding the systemic barriers facing immigrant families is essential for community advocacy and support efforts. Families managing mixed-status dynamics often develop distinct strategies to balance their needs for resources with the risk of state intervention.
Further reading
For broader context on current policy debates, visit the Immigration section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Heights.
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