Undocu Students

Learning and reflecting on the Undocumented students' challenges

This year, I have spent a lot of time learning about undocumented students in higher education. I actually grew up undocumented. Up until 12th grade I lived with the fear of deportation and the idea that I was an unwanted immigrant. This semester though I decided to reconnect with my undocumented identity in an effort to learn how to help our students.

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Term: Spring 2021

Learning Domains:

• Leadership

• Social Justice and Advocacy

• Education

• Personal and Professional Development

Learning Outcomes:

SWiBAT identify at least two personal or historical experiences that reflect the challenges faced by undocumented students today.

SWiBAT describes at least two ways in which to help undocumented students in higher education.

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Evidence

This country has a long history of discrimination against undocumented immigrants and invalidation of their rights as human beings. I entered this country undocumented at the age of six. My mother, my siblings, and I left our home in El Salvador to seek refuge here. Nevertheless, for years the possibility of being deported from our public schools or workplace tormented us. I am incredibly fortunate to be no longer undocumented. Nevertheless, I realize that undocumented students in higher education may be experiencing the same fears and feelings of rejection that I experienced. It is the responsibility of higher ed professionals like me to create and safe and welcoming environment for this vulnerable population of students.

From the Chinese Exclusion Act to the separation of families by the Trump administration, the US immigration policies severely punish people that are simply trying to better their lives. Yet, people continue to enter this country through any means necessary because they feel that it is the only to better their lives. Our role as educators should not be to judge immigrants, regardless of their status. Our role is to educate our students and maximize their development as students and as people.

According to Quayle et al. (2020), undocumented students can benefit from campus resources that teach them about their rights and the tools available to them. The authors further explain that there should be campus-wide training to allow professionals across the college to become allies and provide guidance if necessary. I have already begun that process myself through UndocuAlly training. Although I have not yet completed the training, I have committed to myself that I will continuously learn about the various ways in which I can help these students.

I also want to help by making legal services accessible to immigrant students and their families. There can be a campus program that would partner with additional support services for legal literacy. I think part of the accessibility issues with immigrant families may be their lack of confidence in their literacy skills. Families can increase their native language literacy or take to improve their English. Either one would make a difference in their ability to access legal services and empower them in their everyday lives. For example, there are free English courses offered in Adult Education programs at community colleges. However, many undocumented people believe that such services are not meant for them or that they would not qualify. Additionally, families can learn to advocate for themselves and request resources available to them.

References

Quaye, S. J., Harper, S. R., & Pendakur, S. L. (Eds.). (2020). Student engagement in higher

education: Theoretical perspectives and practical approaches for diverse populations (3rd

ed.). New York, NY: Routledge.

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Reflection

I want to work for the immigrant population because I want to be part of a system that provides people with hope, community, and opportunities. Although I already work in higher ed as administrative support, I will soon work as a student affairs educator at a community college. I want to maximize my supporting undocumented students to better their lives and achieve their educational goals. As an educator, I want to help these students navigate the complex and ever-changing legal paths necessary to remain in school.