University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Undocumented Students in Higher Education: Struggling to Achieve the American Dream

Biviano, Christian J.

Permalink

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/75776

Description

Title
Undocumented Students in Higher Education: Struggling to Achieve the American Dream
Author(s)
Biviano, Christian J.
Contributor(s)
Velazquez, Mirelsie
Issue Date
2012
Keyword(s)
  • International Business
  • Undocumented Students
Abstract
There are 65,000 undocumented high school students that graduate each year, with only approximately 5-10% of these students going on to attend a college or university. This paper discusses the struggles and barriers undocumented students face while applying to college and during their college experience. Some of these hardships include but are not limited to: citizenship status, social economic status, financial aid, immigration reform, education policies, and belonging to an existing minority group (Latinos) that is underrepre- sented in higher education. Lastly, an interview with an undocumented student supports the findings from literature review and allowed the student to tell his story and struggles to achieve the “American Dream.” There are thousands of determined undocumented college students who unlike their American-born or legalized peers, are burdened with the added pressures of finding ways to fund their educational endeavors, while facing a variety of social and educational challenges. Immigration policy and financial aid regulations are constraining vulnerable populations deemed undesirable and undeserving. Despite these challenges the students persevere and continue in their pursuit of a college education.
Type of Resource
text
Permalink
http://hdl.handle.net/2142/75776
Copyright and License Information
Copyright 2012 Christian J. Biviano

Owning Collections

TRiO - Vol. 1, no.1 2012 PRIMARY
The TRiO McNair journal is a culmination of research conducted by student scholars and their facutly representatives through the Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program.