Undocumented Students: A New Student Population Susana DasNeves, M.S., Ed.S

Cesar Chavez: An American Hero “YOU CANNOT OPRESS SOMEONE WHO IS NOT AFRAID ANYMORE! ~ Cesar Chavez~ Undocumented, unafraid, and unapologetic “Coming Out of the Shadows” April 8 6 p.m. MLK Commons “Coming Out of the Shadows”

Overview  Definitions  Demographics & Student Characteristics  Challenges  Immigration 101: Federal & State  Theoretical Framework  Our Commitment  Resources

Who is Undocumented?  Source: Oliverez, P.M. (2006). The College and Financial Aid Guide for AB540 Undocumented Immigrant Students. Center for Higher Education Policy Analysis, 5.  A term used to describe foreign nationals who reside in the U.S. without the legal permission of the federal government.  Entered the country legally but chose to remain in the United States without authorization with an expired visa.  Entered the United States without any form of documentation.

Undocumented Students: The Numbers  11.2 undocumented immigrants in the U.S.A.  1.8 undocumented children  2.1 eligible under Immigration Bill S.744  1.9 D.A.C.A. eligible  1.1 children under the age of 18 in the U.S.A.  65,000 graduate from high school each year  7-13,000 enrolled in college throughout the U.S.A. Mexico (56%) Europe (6%) Latin America (22%) Africa (3%) Asia (13%)

A New Group of Students: Generation 1.5  Born outside the USA  Did not choose to migrate  Identity is formed by their experiences in USA  Elementary and secondary education in USA  Mannerisms, interests, and aspirations to USA born peers  Bilingual/bicultural skills  Fluent in English  Can’t legally work, or drive  Consider themselves “Americans” (Undocu-Americans) (Rumbaut, 2004)

 Inherit undocumented status from parents  Can be deported to a country they don’t know  Live in fear - Hard to trust school officials  Hesitate to get involved  Discouraged to continue education  No ID, NO SSN  Self- identity concerns  Sense of belonging is absent  Career interests are determined by immigration status  Financial obstacles  Uncertain life after graduation Undocumented Students: The Reality

Education Challenges  Admission Process & Policies  Tuition, Room & Board cost  Financial Aid (FAFSA)  Scholarship Resources  Clinical hours/Student teaching  Background checks policies  Certification or state licensure  Teaching certification process  Required internships on curriculum  Research opportunities

Financial Challenges U.S. Citizen Holds a US Passport or US birth certificate Legal Permanent Resident Holds a Green Card Visa Holder Holds a valid visa Undocumented Holds no documentation or has pending application In-State Tuition Yes, if a student is a Resident of Illinois* Depends on visa; not eligible for HB60 (Public Act ) Yes, if eligible for HB60 (Public Act ) Federal Aid Yes No State Aid Yes No Government Loans Yes No Work-Study Yes No Private Scholarships Depends on eligibility requirements Institutional Aid Yes Depends on visa, and school’s policy Depends on school’s policy MAP, Pell and Other Government Grants Yes No

Student & Counselor Challenges Student  Scholarship Resources  Clinical/student teaching  Background check policies  Certification/licensure  Required internships  Research opportunities Counselor  Lack of literature/research  Students are not tracked  Lack of knowledge of students’ reality  What to do when student reveal status?  How to help them move forward in program of study  How to deal with students’ fear of being “found out”

Immigrant Friendly Milestones 1974 Family Education & Privacy Act (FERPA) 1982 Pyler Vs. Doe 1996 Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigration Responsibility Act (IIRRIRA) Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) 1954 Brown v. Board of Education 2013* Comprehensive Immigration Reform 2001* U.S.A DREAM Act 2012* Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) In State Tuition Legislation*

Immigration 101 State Level  In-state tuition: HB60 (05/03)  Illinois DREAM Act (08/01/11)  Temporary Visitor Driver’s License: SB 957 (01/13) Federal Level  U.S. DREAM Act (never passed)  Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) (06/15/12)*  Comprehensive Immigration Reform S.744 (pending)

Illinois DREAM Act What it DoesWhat it Does Not Do  DREAM Fund Commission  Participation in College savings plans  Training for HS counselors  No legal permanent status  Not a path towards citizenship  Does Not allow the student to legally work

DACA: Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals What it Offers  Protects from deportation  Valid SSN & work permit  Valid for two years  Can be renewed/reapply  Able to legally work DREAMRELIEF.ORG DREAMRELIEF.ORG What It Does Not Offer  Travel outside the U.S  Legal permanent residency  U.S. citizenship IT IS NOT A LAW!!!! IT IS AN EXECUTIVE ORDER!!! 6/15/2012

Our Commitment  Familiarize with state and federal legislation  Explain background checks requirements  Discuss alternatives to career paths and life after graduation  Learn about resources on campus  Be an advocate  Develop an Advocacy Group or Taskforce  National Immigration Law Center National Immigration Law Center  Access to Postsecondary Education Access to Postsecondary Education  Maps: State Laws & Policies on Access to Higher Education for Immigrants Maps: State Laws & Policies on Access to Higher Education for Immigrants

NIU Resources DREAM ACTION NIU  A student-driven organization that works to increase awareness and support of DREAM YOUTH at NIU and the community.  The group motivates youth to pursue higher education and believes that receiving a college education is attainable by everyone. Student Coordinator: Ivonne Uquillas Faculty Advisors: Sandy López Angelica Mendoza

Illinois Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights Family Focus (Aurora) World Relief Deferred Action Illinois Latino Council in Higher Education ILACHE National Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund Masuda Funai Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles League of United Latin American Citizens National Immigration Law Center Immigrant Youth Justice League Immigration Resources

Susana DasNeves, Academic Advisor Academic Advising Center Fundraiser Tonight at Culvers in Sycamore Until 8 p.m. Benefit- DREAM ACTION NIU Scholarship Fund Thank You!