Jose Alfredo Torres, Ph.D.

About

Dr. Jose Torres is an Assistant Professor and Department Chair for the Criminology and Justice Studies Program in the Bachelor’s Degree for Professionals Program in the School for Professional and Continuing Studies at California Lutheran University. He has a Ph.D. in Criminology, Law and Society with an emphasis in Chicano/Latino Studies from the University of California, Irvine. He also holds a Master’s degree in Social Ecology from the University of California, Irvine and two Bachelor’s degrees in Sociology: Criminology and Criminal Justice Emphasis and Central American Studies from California State University, Northridge. He has taught in the past at California State University, Northridge, University of California, Irvine, and Orange Coast College. His research interests focus on the criminalization of immigrants in the United States and the effects of immigration laws and enforcement practices on immigrant fathers and their families. Overall, his research interests focus on people's experiences within the criminal justice system and the immigration system in the United States and abroad. He hopes that his research will produce positive changes in laws and in society. 

Education

Ph.D. in Criminology, Law and Society from the University of California, Irvine

M.A. in Social Ecology from the University of California, Irvine

B.A. in Sociology: Criminology Emphasis from California State University, Northridge

B.A. in Central American Studies from California State University, Northridge 

Expertise

Dr. Torres' research focuses on the effects of United States immigration laws and enforcement practices on immigrant and deported fathers in the U.S. and in El Salvador. 

Publications

Torres, J.A. (Under Review). The Borders Between US: The Effects of Deportation on Salvadoran Men’s Romantic Relationships. Humanity & Society.

Torres, J. A., Jr. (2024). The transnational fathering practices of deported men in El Salvador. Sociology Compass, e13187. https://doi.org/10.1111/soc4.13187

Torres, J. A. (2023).  Multigenerational punishments on the children of Salvadoran immigrant and deported fathers. Sociology Compass, 17(12), e13137.  https://doi.org/10.1111/soc4.13137

Torres, J. A. (2021). “The Impact of the United States Immigration Enforcement Regime on Salvadoran Immigrant Fathers in the United States and Deported Fathers in El Salvador.” Doctoral Dissertation: University of California, Irvine. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/3sf0z7gw

Torres, Jose Alfredo. (2017). “Mobilization Strategies within The Immigrant Rights Movement in Los Angeles.” Social Ecology Master’s Thesis: University of California, Irvine. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/84z9f4c2