Millions of students graduate from American high schools every year. There are about 65,000 undocumented 
graduates students that are counted among them. Earlier, unlike their fellow students, these undocumented graduate students’ achievements were muted as their way to higher education remained complex at best, which is prior to 2012 (DACA).
In 1982, the Supreme Court, in Plyler v. Doe, ruled that every student should be guaranteed a K-12 education regardless of what their immigration status is. However, the decision of the court did not extend to higher education. Also, Congress and various state legislatures had supported and attempted to stop, and in many cases prohibit access to educational benefits to undocumented students. These barriers added on to the economic and social challenges that were being faced by undocumented students. This made their road to higher education very hard compared to their fellow students. However, the Obama administration came to their rescue in 2012 with the deferred action initiative (DACA).
DACA – What is it?
The Secretary of Homeland Security declared on June 15, 2012 that a certain individuals who reached the United States as children and meet some of the required guidelines can request consideration of deferred action for a time period of 2 years, which is subject to renewal. They will also be qualified for work authorization. Deferred action can be summed up as the use of prosecutorial discretion to stop the removal action against a person for a particular time period. However, it does not give lawful status.
The deferred action initiative of the Obama administration is making way for a number of undocumented students to pursue their ambition of higher education without any deportation threat. As a result, most of the universities are seeing a rise of applications in this particular population.
Some facts that undocumented students should know
#1 – You Can Attend College
There is no federal law that prevents the admission of undocumented students in the colleges of United States. Only a handful of states, which include South Carolina, Alabama and Georgia that have put in place few restrictions for admission of undocumented students in public universities and colleges. Therefore, you need to go through and research the policies of colleges that you want to attend as most colleges have their own rules and regulations concerning undocumented students.
#2 – Apply as any normal student
The process of college application is usually the same for every students. You will need to research about the requirements of college admissions concerning grades, testing and high school classes that you are required to take. Most of the time, you will be required to get letters of recommendation, or write a personal essay among other requirements for application.
#3 – You are not the only one
You will be required to put in the effort that will help you to get you to college. For that, it is essential that you build a support network. You may begin this process with your family. Tell them about your plans of college and discuss with them your options for choosing and paying for your college education.
This informative session by expert speaker Paz Maya Oliverez addresses the needs of undocumented students and provides policies and best practices to support access, retention and graduation. You will get up-to-date information about the policies that impact undocumented students in higher education so that you are better-able to provide them with information, support, and guidance as they pursue their college and post-graduate aspirations.
