Undocumented Students in Higher Education: A Review of the Literature, 2001 to 2016

Abstract

This article presents a critical review of the recent literature on undocumented students in higher education, placing it in the context of recent antiimmigrant sentiment and policy revisions. The 81 reviewed studies reveal that undocumented students confront significant financial barriers, shoulder unique psychological and social burdens tied to their legal status, and lack access to forms of social capital that facilitate postsecondary success. At the same time, they bring a host of assets to college campuses-including civic engagement and resilience-that are underutilized. Although their experiences are dependent on ethnoracial group and geographic context, these differences have not been sufficiently studied. Likewise, researchers have not adequately explored the impact of institutional, state, and federal programs designed to help undocumented students. In sum, the recent literature sheds some light on the experiences of undocumented postsecondary students, but further research should yield a more nuanced picture and better address their needs.

Managing School Climate Issues at the School District Level: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature

“…This study was conducted through a comprehensive review of the literature using the following procedure: search strategy; definition of inclusion/exclusion criteria; and data extraction process (Bjorklund Jr., 2018;Davies & Rizk, 2017;Siddaway, 2014).…”

“…They later agreed on categories that were mostly similar, which became conceptually and collectively defined. We used inter-subjective triangulation for rigor (Bjorklund Jr., 2018;Cáceres, 2003). Therefore, after conducting the individual analyses, our research team reached consensus about the categories to be used, in order to use only those categories that were deemed to be conceptually and methodologically consistent and robust.…”

Student Affairs Practitioners' Leadership on behalf of Undocumented College Students in the USA

“…Yet, universities are developing networks among students to support with funds other students with immigration issues or act as legal observers during protests (Field, 2017). Because often undocumented college students are not eligible for student loans and grants in several states, these students are less likely to attain a college degree; frequently, they are part-time students, and, consequently, it takes longer to graduate (Bjorklund, 2018). Usually, undocumented students study in colleges that are nearby home; hence, they avoid additional expenses (Gonzales, 2008).…”

“…In 2017, the Trump administration repealed DACA; nevertheless, "in early 2018, federal judges in California, New York, and Washington, D.C. ruled against the administration"s repeal, leaving the law"s future uncertain" (Bjorklund, 2018, p. 636). Hoping that the bipartisan legislation signs a bill that protects undocumented youth, it is still unforeseeable what the future will look like for undocumented college students (Bjorklund, 2018).…”

“…In this sense, fostering a welcoming campus atmosphere is one of the most important aspects of the college persistence of undocumented students. Equally, comprehensive and informed administrators, faculty, and staff are an essential factor in such campus climate (Bjorklund, 2018). In particular, counsellors, mentors, and faculty in their role of academic and professional advisors should be conscious about undocumented students" challenges and take appropriate actions (Gildersleeve&Ranero, 2010).…”