Resources for Allies: Supporting Our Undocumented Students Together
Getting involved in supporting undocumented students can feel like a big task, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Whether you’re a faculty member, staff, or community member, your support can have a lasting impact on an undocumented student and their academic and personal journeys.
Start with Understanding
A great place to begin is by understanding how the federal government categorizes the undocumented community. This knowledge will give you insight into the range of opportunities and limitations available to different groups of immigrants.
- Undocumented Immigrants: Individuals who do not have legal authorization to live or work in the United States.
- DACA Recipients: Undocumented immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children and are protected from deportation under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. It is important to understand that DACA has limitations as it does not provide a pathway to citizenship.
- AB540 Students: California residents who meet specific eligibility requirements, including attending a California institution l for three or more years.
- U.S. Citizens or Legal Permanent Residents: Students with access to federal financial aid,
By understanding these distinctions, you can better support students as they navigate their academic and personal challenges.
Understanding Impactful Legislation
Legislation plays a key role in shaping the experiences of undocumented students. Click here to learn more about key policies that affect undocumented students and their access to education.
A Holistic Approach to Support
Organizations like Immigrants Rising emphasize that undocumented students should be supported as whole individuals with unique aspirations, rather than being defined solely by their immigration status. Taking a holistic approach ensures they receive the academic, emotional, and financial support they need to thrive.
Creating a Sense of Belonging
One of the most impactful ways educators and community partners can foster belonging is by using inclusive language and visibility when sharing information and distributing resources.
Creating a Sense of Belonging
One of the most impactful ways to foster a welcoming environment is through intentional language and inclusive practices. Educators and allies can create a sense of belonging by:
· Using inclusive terminology when discussing immigration status.
· Ensuring visibility of resources tailored to undocumented students.
· Advocating for equitable policies on campus.
Building Trust Allaying Fears: AB 540 & CA Dream Act
This resource, created by Nancy Jodaitis, Founder & Principal Consultant of Institutional Solutions, guides you through strategies for building trust and using intentional language. Establishing trust and addressing fears is not only essential for student well-being but also a key approach to increasing enrollment, retention, and financial aid disbursement for undocumented students.
Undocumented Student Support E-Handbook
The California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office and the Foundation for California Community Colleges have collaborated to create the Undocumented Student Support E-Handbook. This resource provides guidance for empathetic practitioners in higher education.
- Their recommendations emphasize the importance of appropriate wording when referring to undocumented individuals and their situations.
- They have also included an Undocumented Community Glossary, which you can access here.
By taking these steps, we can create a more inclusive and supportive campus environment for undocumented students.
(FGE UNDOCU ALLY TRAINING PICTURES)
Merritt College Partners with FGE to Host Undocu Ally Training Series
Merritt College is proud to announce our collaboration with FGE to host a transformative Undocu Ally three-part training series. This initiative was designed to equip our faculty, staff, and administrators with the tools and strategies to better support our undocumented students.
Key Highlights:
- Three-Part Series: A comprehensive training series focused on understanding the challenges and needs of undocumented students and the strategies for creating an inclusive, supportive environment.
- Certificate of Completion: Participants who attended all three sessions received a certificate of completion to recognize their commitment to fostering an undocu-friendly campus.
- Empowering Educators: This series was designed to deepen the knowledge of our campus community on how to better support undocumented students in navigating academic, social, and emotional challenges.
By equipping our faculty, staff, and administrators with this crucial knowledge, we hope to continue strengthening Merritt College’s commitment to being an inclusive and supportive space for all students. If you are interested in future undocu-ally training, keep an eye out on our page!