Factors That Influence Undocumented Students’ College Search Process

• In Event: Educational Needs and Experiences of Immigrant Students in the United States

Abstract

Undocumented students’ immigration status has created numerous challenges in this population’s access to postsecondary education. Indeed, undocumented immigrants encounter reduced educational access as compared to documented immigrants and individuals born in the United States. This phenomenological study examined various factors (i.e., high school staff, family, Internet, and community-based organizations) that influenced the college search process of 15 undocumented immigrants in New York City. It provided an opportunity to explore how each of these factors have shaped and can be maximized to enhance undocumented students’ college access. It concludes with a call for educators to become more informed about and the use of the Internet to further disseminate information to undocumented students specific to their college search process.

Authors

• H. Kenny Nienhusser, University of Hartford

• Blanca E. Elizabeth Vega, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Mariella Saavedra, Teachers College, Columbia University