Undocumented Students: Context, Equity, Humanity, & Joy
May 29, 2024
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Experts discuss undocumented students' experiences in higher education, shedding light on historical contexts, legal complexities, challenges faced at federal, state, and institutional levels, and the need for bipartisan support. They challenge misconceptions, celebrate joy, explore racialized illegality among Asian students, and emphasize the importance of recognizing assets brought to society. The chapter also explores the role of universities in supporting postgraduate experiences and aligning policies with inclusive labels for genuine support.
Understanding the sociocultural context of undocumented students' experiences is crucial for supporting their academic journey.
Legal frameworks and policies significantly impact undocumented students, highlighting the need to address exclusionary barriers at both state and federal levels.
Recognizing the diverse identities and narratives of joy among undocumented students is essential for fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment.
Deep dives
Building Together While Dismantling Systems
Addressing the current social political climate, the discussion revolves around building together while dismantling the systems that create hostile environments for undocumented immigrants. Emphasizing the need for collaborative effort and acknowledging the work of past generations, the focus is on supporting undocumented students amidst challenging circumstances.
Understanding Undocumented Students' Realities
Examining the legality and undocumented status highlights social constructs of power shaping perceptions. By exploring historical contexts of immigration and legal frameworks, the conversation delves into the complexities faced by undocumented students. Attention is drawn to exclusionary immigration policies and state-level barriers affecting their academic journey.
Policy Impact on Undocumented Student Experiences
Policies at federal and state levels significantly impact the experiences of undocumented students. State laws restricting access to higher education and financial aid based on immigration status pose challenges. The discussion covers the uneven distribution of support, with DACA recipients having access to more resources compared to non-DACA holders.
Broadening Perspectives on Undocumented Students
Challenging stereotypes, the conversation expands to recognize the diverse identities of undocumented students. Highlighting the experiences of undocumented Black and Asian American individuals, the discussion sheds light on the double invisibility faced by these groups. Emphasizing the need to go beyond narrow perceptions, the focus is on acknowledging the full spectrum of undocumented student experiences.
Emphasizing Humanizing Narratives and Joy
Advocating for a shift from damage-centered narratives, the conversation highlights the importance of humanizing undocumented student experiences. Encouraging positive representations and narratives of joy, the discussion explores the ways in which joy, creativity, and resilience play vital roles in maintaining hope and agency among undocumented communities.
Three scholars join us to discuss undocumented students' experiences and the implications for higher education. They begin by offering the sociocultural contexts and move into a more expansive understanding of who undocumented students are and their complex experiences. They also share the humanity, joy, and contributions of these students from their research.
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