“But What Happens After?”: The Value of Higher Education for Undocumented Students

• In Event: Networks and Support Systems in Higher Education

Abstract

State governments and college campuses are increasingly broadening access to college for undocumented students, but little research examines how, if at all, undocumented students benefit from higher education given their lack of work authorization to pursue traditional employment after graduation. Through interviews with undocumented college students and alumni as well as advocates for this population, this study investigates the value of pursuing higher education while undocumented. Results suggest that college offers not only delay in a relatively safe environment with basic needs assistance, but also support for nontraditional employment pathways, such as entrepreneurship, that can lead to successful careers. This study suggests concrete strategies colleges can employ to make their education more valuable for students without work authorization.

Author

• Emma Miriam Lezberg, Harvard University