Education Access in America for Undocumented Students

Greetings!

This page aims to identify several components that play a significant role on the kind of access undocumented students have/do not have toward pursuing a higher education. At the moment these components have been broken up into four sections- Immigration Reform and Tips, Federal and State Policies on Undocumented Students, Undocumented During College and What Now? As we continue to move forward, I hope to add additional sections including a completely translated version in Spanish and eventually providing the entire page onto a more publicized and accessible platform for those who are not members on Serendip. Aside from identifying key issues that influence undocumented students' access, I explain the importance and implications these issues pose on undocumented students for them to be more understandable. Undocumented individuals and their families deserve to be aware of their rights, the challenges that are posed against them as well as the support that is available to them. In addition, it is vital that the information provided on this page comes across allies and school administrators, facult, staff, etc. in order to accurately and effectively allow an exceptional student continue their education and be provided with the proper support and resources to complete their education.

Surprisingly many individuals (including myself) have a vague idea on the legal matters that play a role when determining an undocumented students' eligibility toward pursuing a higher education. Depending on the state and whether or not the institution is public or private, it is possible for undocumented students to be admitted into a higher institution. Yet even during their time pursuing their undergraduate studies, undocumented students experience a whole new set of challenges they will have to overcome if they would like to graduate.

Below are some questions that touch upon the issues this page addresses,

• What are the current laws the country has regarding undocumented students and education?
• What are the current laws regarding undocumented students specifically in my state? 
• If I were to attend a college/university, would my status as an undocumented be reported to the government?
• What kind of services could I benefit from as a student at a college/university? In addition, what kind of services would I not be qualified to utilize because of my undocumented status? 

I mainly focused on identifying the key components that make up the current base we can all refer to as our starting point. By determining what we have to work with we can begin answering the ultimate question, What Now? As I mentioned before, this is also the fourth section I have created in which it includes a post highlighting my concluding remarks and current ideas toward moving forward. I'd like to acknowledge that what I have included on this page does not mean that this is the only kind of information out there nor is it to impose that this issue has been resolved. With that said, I encourage you to please feel free to comment, share any new, current or updated information/sources, ask questions and start a dialogue concerning these issues. Through understanding and collaboration we can effectively develop new opportunities to continue supporting undocumented individuals toward continuing their path onto higher education.

Thank you for visiting my page!