Edelina’s research focuses broadly on the experiences of Latinas/os in the United States. Specifically, she examines the experiences of undocumented immigrants who came to United States as children. She uses qualitative methods to understand how federal, state, and local laws and policies shaped the educational and career trajectories, ethnic identity development, and activism of undocumented young adults. She has conducted research in California, Georgia, and Colorado. Her first book based on this research “Navigating Belonging: Latinx Undocumented Young Adults in Welcoming and Hostile Destinations,” is under contract with the University of Arizona Press. She enjoys working with students, both undergraduate and graduate, who are interested in immigration, race and racism in the United States, the Latina/o experience, schools and college access, law and policy, and community organizing/mobilizing.

Teaching/Expertise Areas:  Latina/o Sociology, Law & Society, Race & Ethnicity, Sociology of Education, Immigration, and Social Movements