Beyond the Dreamer Narrative: Undocumented Students and Accomplices on College Campuses

Session Submission Type: Symposium

Abstract

Immigration and citizenship, influenced by settler colonialist and racist, nativist views, are framed in the U.S. to criminalize and dehumanize undocumented individuals.When institutions of higher learning enroll undocumented students, these students are denied full access and participation at their institutions due to the racism, exclusionary policies, and inequities they face. Furthermore, many college campuses do not have a dedicated undocumented student support person. Special support services are necessary because undocumented students are attempting to maneuver obstacles such as immigration and labor laws, fear of deportation, financing college without access to financial aid and loans, hostile anti-immigrant political climates, and trying to remain hopeful. The purpose of this symposia is to provide a space for students, faculty, and staff doing advocacy work for/with undocumented students to share about their work, support one another, and provide information for students, faculty, and staff wanting to do more on college campuses.

Sub Track

• AESA

Chair

• Sandy Lopez, Illinois State University

Individual Presentations

• Beyond the Dreamer Narrative: Undocumented Students and Accomplices on College Campuses - Beth Hatt, University of Illinois - Springfield; Sandy Lopez, Illinois State University; Julia Mendes, Northwestern University; Dulce Hernandez, Northern Illinois University; Laura Cholula, Advocates for Human Rights

Session Organizer

• Beth Hatt, University of Illinois - Springfield