Policy Contradictions: The Clash Between No Child Left Behind and Higher Education Opportunity for Undocumented Students

• In Event: Roundtable Session 32
  In Roundtable Session: Immigrant Rights, Citizenship Status, and Language Policy

Abstract

This paper seeks to raise awareness of the academic future of today’s growing undocumented student population in K-12 and higher education in relation to educational policy in the United States. Specifically, the authors seek to examine federal accountability by way of the No Child Left Behind initiative, highlighting its impact on undocumented students within K-12 and the prospects of college access. While many undocumented students graduate with honors, it is not until their college application process begins that many students realize the ramifications of their status. The authors provide recommendations on how federal education- in collaboration with state and local government, can impact the future by implementing policies that provide access and opportunities that work to benefit undocumented students.

Authors

• Judith C. Perez-Torres, University of Utah

• Nereida Camacho Oliva, University of Utah