WP1: The Hardships of Undocumented Youth
In the United States, undocumented students face a number of obstacles as they try to advance in their lives. Despite their drive, these ambitious individuals are often reminded that their presence is not truly welcomed. The lack of academic guidance, financial opportunities, and professional limitations an undocumented student faces intentionally works to confirm the idea that one’s legal status will ultimately define someone and determine their worth. These students navigate their life being reminded that this characteristic will ultimately determine their future — a future where higher education, recognition, and professionalism are not attainable. The privilege of holding a social security number raises questions about the selective nature of U.S. policies towards determining who can succeed in America, shedding light on the systemic obstacles that persist in our educational systems and politics, even for the youth of today.
No child should ever feel as though their visions and aspirations are exactly that: dreams. Unfortunately, for many young people in the U.S. who lack proper documentation, this is a harsh reality. According to a study by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the United States is home to thousands of immigrants(OECD 2022). However, this alone does not imply that immigrants are received with open arms, let alone translates to equal access to resources and support. Students with a pristine educational record and no criminal history are still being viewed as a burden instead of an asset simply because they do not have legal status. It makes no sense for a country that promotes self-determination, diversity, and continuous growth to legitimately reject those characteristics from individuals who were not born in the U.S., especially since America was literally built on migration influenced by the same vision. The first European colonists immigrated to America because of economic hardship and the neglect of freedoms. Yet, many Americans today fail to recognize that history and the struggles of others who persist in having a home where independence and liberty are achievable. The power that America has built since its founding, beginning with the slaughter of innocent Native American communities, highlights the fact that citizenship has been framed to symbolize white elitism and power. It is an authority that the U.S. does not want anyone who is foreign-born to possess, yet has no problem benefiting from the wealth and intelligence of those same individuals it restricts.
The U.S. aims to establish that individuals born outside the country require a social security number to succeed within its borders, regardless of age. Regardless of their potential. A real-time restraint that causes severe mental consequences. A research study by Dr. Cinthya Salazar stresses the hardships that undocumented youth experience when pursuing higher education. One of the students interviewed by Salazar shared how they instinctively isolate themselves for fear of trusting the wrong people. To be an undocumented student is to live in secret from everyone and everything, even though you did and continue to do nothing wrong. Even though it is in our nature to make bonds and have relationships with others, the constant fear of being discovered makes it difficult for them to form genuine relationships. However, always having a guard up and distancing from society will inevitably harm the mental health and overall well-being of an individual.
Undocumented students face significant challenges when it comes to sharing their experiences and seeking help outside of their families, as they often grow up with social unacceptance that makes vulnerability an intimidation rather than an act of courage. The frustration and discouragement that highly qualified individuals experience when denied dream job opportunities due to strict citizenship requirements is horrible. The time-consuming process of searching for scholarships that accept applications from all, and still having to apply to each one is definitely exhausting. These experiences illustrate the systematic obstacles that undocumented individuals encounter every day. As a society, we are responsible for creating a safe and supportive environment that empowers these young individuals to pursue their dreams without limitations. One way to do this is by advocating for the passage of AB 278, a bill that proposes the construction of Dream Centers in California high schools specifically designed to support undocumented students. Additionally, we need to ensure that scholarships and internship program requisites are rewritten to be made available to all, regardless of citizenship status. For example, changing “must be a citizen of the U.S.” to “must be based in [insert city or state here].”
Additionally, the negative attitudes and beliefs about immigrants are not just hurtful, but they also contribute to the continuation of misinformation and misconceptions about undocumented youth. It’s time to challenge the political rhetoric that fuels harmful stereotypes that frame these individuals are undeserving of natural and civil rights. Former President Donald Trump’s claims that immigrants take away resources and jobs from Americans ignore the fact that many undocumented individuals are hardworking and motivated to succeed. According to a study by the New American Economy, undocumented individuals have made significant contributions to the U.S. economy by taking on positions in some of the most critical industries for America, including “agriculture (11.5 percent of the workforce), construction (6.7 percent), and the tourism and hospitality sector (3.4 percent)”(New American Economy 2021). Despite the obstacles they face, Mexican undocumented immigrants alone contribute nearly $9.8 billion in federal, state, and local taxes (New American Economy 2021). We cannot continue to ignore the valuable contributions that the undocumented community makes to our society.
So many individuals are still denied the right to pursue a better life which is insane to consider. The logic behind arguing that immigrants don’t pay taxes is unfounded, considering the evidence that proves otherwise. Those deemed “essential workers” are being treated in a way that suggests they are a disease that must be confined, controlled, separated from American society, and ultimately eliminated. It’s beyond unfair. And now, with the recent pause on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, it’s becoming even more challenging for young adults without proper documentation to establish themselves professionally. It’s ridiculous that society places more importance on a social security number than talent and skill. That number doesn’t make someone American; it’s their mindset and their ambition to strive for greatness that truly defines them. But sadly, something as insignificant as a social security number is still the biggest obstacle standing in the way of these students’ success. Only a small percentage meet the requirements for work authorization, making it nearly impossible for them to find meaningful work and contribute to the country they call home. It’s time for us to stand up and demand change. We need to support and empower undocumented individuals and recognize their incredible value to our society. Employers should not hesitate to hire brilliant applicants solely based on negative claims and inaccurate generalizations about the undocumented community.
The linguistic approach to discourse over immigration is yet another contributor to the negative stigma held for undocumented individuals. Derogatory language reinforces systemic oppression and has a devastating impact on undocumented students’ self-esteem and confidence in their abilities. Instead of “refugees,” they are “immigrants.” Instead of “humans,” they are “aliens,” which is ironic considering U.S. history. But sure, forget about the colonization of lands that were not ours. More on that here. We need to start changing the dialogue used when speaking about undocumented people. It’s time to accept these are Dreamers, Innovators, Visionaries, and The Future. By taking proactive steps to support the undocumented community, we can break down systematic barriers and reinforce the true values of diversity, equality, and inclusivity.
The challenges often faced by undocumented youth in the United States are numerous and complex. Despite their grit, the negative rhetoric about immigrants and the difficulties they face in finding opportunities are only some of the challenges they face while navigating through their personal and professional lives. Their legal status creates barriers that prevent them from fully realizing their potential. This reality is further exacerbated by the fear of discrimination or even deportation, which often forces these individuals to keep their struggles and experiences to themselves. Discussions about legal status are a constant presence in the lives of undocumented youth, and they can be emotionally exhausting. No person, especially emerging generations, should have to feel that their worth is defined by their legal status. This is not only demoralizing but also hinders their ability to reach their full potential since a simple status limits them from obtaining resources. It is important to acknowledge and address these challenges so that all individuals, regardless of their legal status, have the opportunity to achieve their personal and professional goals. The experiences of undocumented youth are a testament to the harsh reality of our immigration system and the mental impact it has on individuals. It is essential that we continue to advocate for policies and support systems that allow these young people to achieve their dreams and live fulfilling lives, regardless of a number.
Works Cited
Ekins, Emily, and David Kemp. “E Pluribus Unum: Findings from the Cato Institute 2021 Immigration and Identity National Survey.” Cato.org, 27 Apr. 2021, https://www.cato.org/survey-reports/e-pluribus-unum-findings-cato-institute-2021-immigration-identity-national-survey#introduction.
Alliance, President’s. “Report: Undocumented Students in Higher Education: How Many Students Are in U.S. Colleges and Universities, and Who Are They?” Presidents’ Alliance, 2 Sept. 2020, https://www.presidentsalliance.org/report-undocumented-students-in-higher-education-how-many-students-are-in-u-s-colleges-and-universities-and-who-are-they/.
Nittle, Nadra. “Ending DACA Could Mean Direct Consequences for Women, Teachers and Students.” The 19th, 7 Oct. 2022, https://19thnews.org/2022/10/daca-program-decision-impacts-education-women-teachers-students/.
Communications, SEHD, and About SEHD Communications. “How Family and Stress Play a Role in the Undocumented Student Experience in College.” Education and Human Development, 9 Nov. 2021, https://education.tamu.edu/undocumented-student-experience-in-college/.
Suárez-Orozco, Carola, and Guadalupe López Hernández. “‘Waking up Every Day with the Worry’: A Mixed-Methods Study of Anxiety in Undocumented Latinx College Students.” Frontiers, Frontiers, 13 Oct. 2020, https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.568167/full#B72.
Student Caffe. “Obstacles for Undocumented Students.” StudentCaffe, Jan. 2018, http://studentcaffe.com/prepare/students-without-documents/obstacles-for-undocumented.
OECD. “International Migration Outlook 2022: En.” The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, 10 Oct. 2022, https://www.oecd.org/migration/international-migration-outlook-1999124x.htm.
“Examining the Economic Contributions of Undocumented Immigrants by Country of Origin.” New American Economy Research Fund, 26 Aug. 2021, https://research.newamericaneconomy.org/report/contributions-of-undocumented-immigrants-by-country/.
Salazar, Cinthya. “We Are Friends? Navigating Relationships with Undocumented College Students as Co-Researchers in Participatory Action Research.” Taylor & Francis, 6 Aug. 2021, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09518398.2021.1956622.
