Unveiling Policy Gaps: Exploring the Role of Information Networks on Senegalese Migrant Experiences

Recent changes in U.S. immigration policy underscores the need to examine both whether there is access to accurate immigration information and how policies account for the lived experiences of migrants. This research asks: how do information networks shape Senegalese migrants' understanding of U.S. immigration policy and their decision-making throughout the migration process? This thesis reveals that while pre-migration information networks primarily focus on the journey itself, post-migration networks are essential for navigating legal and bureaucratic challenges. Community-based organizations, rather than government sources, proved to be the most trusted and effective channels of support. My research finds that current immigration policy is working ineffectively as more resources go to enforcement practices rather than the immigration courts, leaving migrants stuck in a legal limbo. Using in-depth interviews with Senegalese migrants, this thesis analyzes the expectations and the lived experiences of Senegalese migrants in the U.S., focusing on how policy gaps shape migrants' experiences and what information networks they rely on to navigate the intricacies of the U.S. immigration system.