Six undocumented Latina/o university students, now Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals approved and themselves college graduates, were interviewed regarding several key aspects of their childhood and young adult development. These interviews focused on their life experiences and challenges, educational impediments, and the social-emotional stigma of being undocumented in their attempt to secure further education. The emotional and psychological difficulties encountered throughout the educational system for these interviewees and the development of resiliency in their management of adversity is described. Participants provided significant and relevant background history about the immigration journey as experienced by themselves or reported to them by their families. A qualitative analysis of the salient themes was conducted, revealing some meaningful findings that would support future academic success. The voices of those interviewed are reflected around selected themes that highlight salient issues and experiences as a result of growing up undocumented. Participants provided recommendations for fellow undocumented students desiring higher education.
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