Working with Immigrant Children of “Undocumented” and “Mixed” Families

• In Event: Poster Session 3
  In Poster Session: Educational Needs of Immigrant and Minority Students

Abstract

Immigrant children constitute a large and growing segment of pre-K to 12 children in the United States. There is also an increasing number of children who are living in families with undocumented parents or families of mixed status. Despite this population growth, research literature focusing on this population is very limited. This conceptual paper has identified three major challenges (structural vulnerabilities, psychological stress, and factors of residency in New Gateway states) and makes five recommendations in broad areas of practice and policy (in-service training of school personnel, creating a friendly school social environment, community outreach, advocacy, and considerations for research policies) to help educators understand about and work effectively with children of “undocumented” and “mixed” families.

Authors

• Xue Lan Rong, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

• Liv Thorstensson Davila, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• Jeremy Hilburn, University of North Carolina - Wilmington