Navigating College for Undocumented Students 

Presenter

Oriana A. Lara

Campus

Middlesex Community College

Sponsor

Jonathan Bennett, Department of Philosophy, Middlesex Community College

Schedule

Session 3, 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM [Schedule by Time][Poster Grid for Time/Location]

Location

Poster Board A27, Campus Center Auditorium, Row 2 (A21-A40) [Poster Location Map]

Abstract

Immigration has been a contentious topic in the United States for many years. In 2012, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy was introduced, which enabled students without legal documentation to access higher education and live in the United States without fear of deportation. However, only some students qualify for DACA, leaving many in the community feeling uncertain. In Massachusetts, many undocumented high school students aspire to be the first in their families to attend college, but they need help navigating their institutions. Many of the essential aspects of navigating higher education are often unknown to undocumented students, leaving them feeling lost and alienated. Undocumented students need more resources to navigate the application process, make use of legal resources, and to apply for and access scholarships and other financial supports.To address this issue, we need to explore the programs, policies, and scholarships in community colleges in Massachusetts that could provide infrastructural support for undocumented students. This research intends to share findings on what community colleges have been doing to help and how they can do better to support their undocumented students.

Keywords

migration , Dreamers , America , Massachusseth , Legislation

Research Area

Migration and Refugees

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