Undocumented Students Huynh, R., Mendoza, D. Muñoz, M., and Quilizapa, C.

Workshop Goals Develop an AWARENESS about the needs, concerns, and issues of undocumented students. Increase KNOWLEDGE about relevant immigration laws impacting students and related student issues and challenges. Develop culturally proficient SKILLS to work more effectively with undocumented students.

Awareness Activity #1

The DREAM Act uses taxpayer dollars for scholarships and grants for undocumented students… Myth Fact: Undocumented youth adjusting to lawful permanent resident status are only eligible for federal student loans (which must be paid back), and federal work-study programs, where they must work for any benefit they receive. They are not eligible for federal grants, such as Pell Grants.

You can be denied admission to a California college or university based on your immigration status… Myth Fact: You are not required to show a state issued ID and Social Security card to apply for admission to a California college or university.

Myth US citizens will loose their place in college to under-qualified, undocumented immigrants… Myth Fact: Undocumented immigrants represent less than 2% of all high school graduates, not enough to significantly affect access by others. The DREAM Act does not provide immigrant students any special treatment, just allows them to be judged on equal terms with their class mates. If a child does well in school and qualifies to get into college, they should be allowed the opportunity to attend.

The DREAM Act allows undocumented students to pay cheaper tuition than U.S. citizens… Myth Fact: The DREAM Act gives states the option to offer in-state tuition to students registered under the DREAM Act, but it does NOT guarantee cheaper tuition. At most, the DREAM act allows undocumented students to access the same benefits as their peers.

Knowledge

The Facts... An undocumented person is a non-citizen who entered the US without legal immigration status or who stayed after the period he/she was authorized to be here. Each year about 65,000 undocumented students graduate from US high schools. 40% of all undocumented students live in CA.

The Facts... Not eligible for… State and Federal financial aid and support programs State Driver’s License Social Security number Work authorization Paid internships/assistantships Graduate school testing

Current Law (AB 540) Signed into law in 2001. Authorizes any student, including undocumented students, who meet specific criteria to pay in-state tuition at CA public colleges and universities. Requirements: Attended a CA high school for 3+ years Graduated from a CA high school or equivalent AB 540 Affidavit

Federal Dream Act The Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act Provides a pathway to citizenship by giving students conditional legal status for 6 years if: Entered the U.S. before the age of 16 Earned a HS diploma, GED, or have been accepted into a 2 or 4 year institution of Higher Ed upon application Lived in the U.S. for at least 5 years before the date of the legislation is enacted Display good moral character, generally meaning that the student has no criminal record

Federal Dream Act Legal status becomes permanent once 1 of the following requirements is met: Received a 2 or 4 year degree from a Higher Ed institution, or must have maintained good academic standing for at least 2 years while working towards a degree. Served tg in the U.S. military for 2 years.

California Dream Act AB130 Signed into law in 2011, effective January 2012 Allows students to apply for private scholarships AB131 Signed into law in 2011, effective January 2013 Apply for state fee waiver, institutional aid, and CAL Grants

CA Dreaming…

“Dreamer” College Experience

Skills

Culturally Proficient Ally Strategies Acknowledge individual and group differences Avoid assumptions about a student’s status based on their race, ethnicity, accent or appearance Refuse to tolerate derogatory or anti-immigrant jokes, name calling, or remarks Become informed about the rights afforded by law to undocumented students Listen openly and do not interrogate the student’s immigration status Create a climate of trust Be aware of your own assumptions about undocumented students

When a student confides in you… What you should not say: What you should say: Are you an illegal alien? How did your family get here? Tell me about your illegal status. So what kind of life do you live? I can’t believe you are an illegal! Is there any way I can help you? Financial resources Mentoring Laws-AB540, DREAM Act Legal referrals College is an option for you.

Student Scenarios Activity #2

What will YOU do?

“Our attitude toward immigration reflects our faith in the American ideal. We have always believed it possible for men and women to rise as far as their talent and energy allow. Neither race nor place of birth should affect their chances.” Robert F. Kennedy