Taking Agency: Undocumented Students in a “Locked Out” State in the New Latino South

• In Event: Racialized Power and Control in P-20: Navigating Complex Educational Journeys of Latina/o/x

Abstract

Undocumented students face difficulties when navigating their post-secondary options. In “locked out” states, or states that ban undocumented students from receiving in-state resident tuition or from enrolling in public post-secondary institutions (Presidents Alliance on Higher Education), the postsecondary options that undocumented students have are even more restricted. This study takes place in North Carolina, a locked-out state that bans undocumented students from receiving in-state resident tuition rates. Participants include Latina undocumented students and their mothers who worked alongside them to advocate for educational resources. Findings indicate that undocumented students and their mothers worked closely with local immigrant-serving community organizations to navigate the college application process. This study urges educators to build partnerships with parents/caretakers and community leaders.

Authors

• Liliana E. Castrellon, San José State University

• Citlalli Rendon Guzman, California State University - Fresno

• Darsella Vigil, American Council on Education

• Luis Fernando Macias, California State University - Fresno