Lived Experiences of

Undocumented Students on
College Campuses
Jazmin Ramirez
Graduate Intern - Office of Intercultural Affairs at Stonehill College
Graduate Resident Director - Residence Life at Salem State University
Learning Outcomes
1. Learn what it means to be undocumented.
2. Learn the different experiences and challenges of undocumented students.
3. Learn about laws and policies in place that shape some of the undocumented student experiences.
4. Learn ways of how to support the undocumented population.
What does it mean to be Undocumented?
1. Legally as nonimmigrants, then violated the terms of their status by letting their visas expire
2. Without inspection (EWI)
3. With fraudulent documents
Undocumented Students
● For undocumented students, many were brought to America by their parents at a very
young age
● Undocumented students have learned the English language
● Integrated themselves into communities
● Consider themselves Americans
● Most have lived in the U.S. for the majority of their lives
1982 Supreme Court Plyler vs. Doe
● Texas withheld state funds for educating undocumented students
● Violation of the 14th Amendment
● Legally allowed undocumented youth to attend public education from K-12th grade
○ Documentation of immigration status not a requirement
○ Ruling did not elaborate on education post high school
Statistics
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
● Under Obama’s era on June 15, 2012
● Applicant criteria:
○ Under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012
○ Came to the U.S. before reaching their 16th birthday
○ Have continuously resides in the U.S. since June 15th, 2007, up to present time
○ Physically present in the U.S. on June 15th 2012
○ Currently in school, have graduated, or obtained a certificate of completion from high school,
obtained a GED or an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces
○ Not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, three or more other misdemeanors, and
do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety
Benefits of DACA
Current Political Climate
● On September 5, 2017 the DHS announced the phase out of the DACA Program
○ Seen as “unconstitutional” & overreach of executive authority

DACA & Employment No new DACA applications Advance Parole to travel

Authorization Documents will be accepted at this abroad is no longer
will remain valid until time. available.
expired.
Terminology
Prefered Terms: Terms You May Hear:

● Undocumented student ● DACAmented

● Undocumented immigrant ● DREAMer

Dehumanizing Terms:

● Illegal
● Illegal alien
Stereotypes
● “Undocumented people are criminals.”
○ Well aware that any criminal activity can potentially derail their chances of getting
citizenship. They stray away of any and all criminal activities

● “They do not pay taxes.”

○ Undocumented individuals do in fact pay for taxes just like everyone else
Stereotypes
● “They are only here to take our jobs.”
○ People migrate to the United States in hopes of
pursuing a better life for themselves and their
families and some flee from their current violent
environment

● “All undocumented individuals are Latinx/a/o/.”

○ Undocumented individuals come from all areas of the
world. Yes, the majority come from the Mexico region,
however, they are not all Latinx/a/o
Immigration Experiential
(Case Studies)
Challenges
● Financial barriers
○ Do not qualify for federal grants and loans (FAFSA)
● Insufficient parental support
○ Most times parents of undocumented students did not attend college
○ Students are left having to figure it out on their own or with the help of school
counselors, mentors
Challenges II
● Feelings of anxiety, isolation, fear & worry
○ Documented friends do not worry about immigration raids (developmental
experiences)
○ Not able to partake in group activities that requires personal monetary funds
○ Possibilities of self or family members getting deported
○ Living in limbo
● Studying abroad
○ Fear of going, but not coming back
How to Support
● Use inclusive language
● Do use not stereotypes and stop others from using
stereotypes as well
● Recognize that not all undocumented students are
Latinx/a/o
● Exercising confidentiality at all times (FERPA)
● Keep yourself informed and up to date with the
immigration laws, policies that affect this population
Education, Immigration and
Identity Activity!
THANK For more information:

Jazmin Ramirez
YOU! jramirez2@stonehill.edu