Case
Abstract
This article explores research conducted on unaccompanied immigrant youth (young adults who migrate without parents). Unaccompanied immigrant youth are a particularly challenging population to research due to characteristics of the population itself and the institutional barriers that are often constructed around the population. In this case study, I explore the difficulties I confronted in recruiting these youth for research. In particular, I compare the successes and failures I encountered using what I call "front door" and "backdoor" gatekeepers as means of access to this population. I argue that for some research populations, "backdoor" gatekeepers may sometimes be more helpful in recruiting participants.