The Unspoken Pandemic Challenges: The Educational Experiences of DACA/U Latino/x Men in South Texas Colleges

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session Thirteen
  In Roundtable Session: Racialization and Student Experiences (Table 5)

Abstract

In 2022, the nation recognized the decade anniversary of the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) legislation that afforded the opportunity for a generation of immigrant children to engage and enroll in higher education. This qualitative research study explored how college enrolled DACA or undocumented (DACA/U) Latino/x men described their educational experiences in South Texas higher education institutions during the Covid-19 pandemic era. We used Racial Formation Theory (RFT) to shape our understanding of the delicate balance these students must navigate as racialized and invisible students in the Mexican/Texas border region. We found four themes that provided a rich and nuanced description of their challenges during the pandemic era. We argue that institutional leaders must help these marginalized students.

Authors

• Luis Ponjuan, Texas A&M University
  Presenting Author

• Emmet Campos, University of Texas at Austin
  Presenting Author

• Jase Kugiya, University of Texas at Austin
  Presenting Author

• Gabriel Rodríguez Lemus, University of Texas at Austin
  Presenting Author

• Armando Lizarraga, University of Texas at Austin
  Presenting Author

• Julio J. Mena Bernal, University of Texas at Austin
  Presenting Author

• Victor B. Sáenz, University of Texas at Austin
  Presenting Author