Power and Precarity

The article centers on an interview with Lupe, an undocumented teacher who also identifies as queer and Latinx. Through Lupe's story, we come to see how undocumented teachers experience a form of hyper-precarity shaped by the interlocking forces of racist, neoliberal immigration and education systems. Selected excerpts from my conversation with Lupe illustrate how hyper-precarity due to changing political climates, curricular backlash, and immigration policy can all lead to unstable employment and concerns over mental health and wellbeing. In spite of these considerable challenges, Lupe’s story also reflects the critical contributions undocumented teachers are making in their classrooms and communities.