Understanding Undocumented Students in California Education System

BC DREAMERS Jeannie Parent and Anna Poetker

This Presentation Will Discuss: 1. Who are our Undocumented Students? 2. What s new for this student population? 3. What remains the same for this student population? 4. What can we do to help our undocumented students?

Who Are Our Undocumented Students? In order to be eligible for AB540, students must have: Attended a California high school for 3 or more years Graduated from a California high school with a high school diploma or attained the equivalent (GED); and Filed an affidavit with their intended college or university stating their eligibility under AB540 and intention of applying for a lawful immigration status as soon as they are eligible.

California Dream Act What is it? California Assembly Bills 130 & 131 are laws that increase access to financial aid for undocumented students attending four-year universities and community colleges in California. Who is eligible? Those eligible for AB 540 are eligible for AB 130 & 131. What benefits are available? CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY COLLEGES Board of Governors Fee Waiver Community College Institutional Scholarships Extended Opportunity Programs & Services (EOP&S)

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) What is it? Deferred Action : the Department of Homeland Security has deemed the individual a low priority for immigration enforcement and has chosen to exercise its discretion and not deport the individual. Deferred action is/does NOT: permanent. It is temporary relief and may be revoked at any time. amnesty or immunity. provide lawful immigration status a path to a green card or citizenship extend to any family members of the person granted deferred action. What benefits are available? Driver s License Work Permit Social Security number Temporary relief from deportation

DACA: Who is eligible? Applicants must : be 15-30 years old to apply. be under 31 years old as of June 15, 2012 have arrived in the U.S. before you turned 16. be continuously present in the U.S. for a minimum of 5 years. must have been present in the U.S. on June 15, 2012. fulfill one of the following requirements: are currently in high school. have earned a GED or high school diploma. have been honorably discharged from the U.S. armed forces.

What Barriers Still Exist? Dramatic Shift in Self-Image and Identity Feelings of Blame, Stigma, and Discrimination Fear of Contact and Deportation Personal Loss and Distance Vulnerability and Exploitability

Dramatic Shift in Self-Image and Identity K-12 EXPERIENCES LATE ADOLESCENCE As undocumented children make transitions into late adolescence, they move from spaces of belonging to rejection, from inclusion to exclusion, from de facto legal, to illegal. --Roberto Gonzalez, University of Chicago

The Transition to Adulthood Transition to Adulthood Awake to a Nightmare Protected Status Succession of blocked opportunities Late adolescence triggers legal limitations: Working Driving Financial Aid Nightlife K-12 education is free and legal Fear, stigma, changed social patterns Most institutions in childhood do not require legal status Forced decisions reveal or conceal Physical/ emotional manifestations From Moving Beyond the Single Story, Roberto Gonzalez, University of Chicago

Feelings of Blame, Stigma, and Discrimination Undocumented youth face higher levels of stress and depression than their native peers. Perceived as outsiders Remain marginal members of society; second class status Made the object of deviance and social stigma Blamed for the social & economic worries of the US Derogatory language Wrongfully portrayed as exploiting public assistance programs and taking jobs from US citizens Unwelcoming environment and hostility May result in shame, guilt, fear, insecurity, need for secrecy or to pass as documented Negatively impacts self-worth and self-esteem

Fear of Contact and Deportation Constant fear of being deported and separated from their family and established networks. Pulled over while driving City check-points ICE raids at place of employment/home Loved ones being detained Fear becomes integrated into daily life and shapes perception of reality. Fear of being deported increases one's tendency to be in poor health Avoid and fear contact with police officials (and other authority figures )

Personal Loss and Distance Not able to travel outside of the US Cases of emergency, family deaths, or family events May feel a sense of loss for: connection to home country their sense of belonging and identity family relationships and friendships

Vulnerability and Exploitability High potential targets for exploitable situations Undocumented immigrants are more likely to: receive lower, uncertain, or withheld wages maintain low employment status be subject to blackmail and pressure to work for unjust wages experience continuously oppressive working conditions Limit access to health care, despite need Instability in job security and prolonged poor health can manifest into stress and household tension.

What Can WE Do? DO NOT make assumptions about who is undocumented ask youth to self-identify DO make resources and services available to all youth modify intake forms to be undocumented youth friendly identify central staff members to be the contact person on services for undocumented youth. keep up to date applicable legislation, policy, college and applicable information

Be Encouraging Encourage undocumented youth to: Advance their education; inform them about their possibilities Connect with other students that share similar experiences Collectively cope with stressors Develop resilience by establishing support and social networks

Be Sensitive Many cannot access services that require a social security number Many encounter transportation issues Not all students are outspoken about their immigration status Be conscious of your language and projections Illegal, alien, criminal

More Resources IDEAS at UCLA http://ideasla.org/index/ Educators For Fair Consideration http://e4fc.org/home.html BC Dreamers http://bcdreamers.wordpress.com/

Thank You For Supporting Our BC Dreamers!