Undocumented Hispanic students pursuing Higher education in the U.S.: A dream deferred
Date
2012-09
Authors
Gomez, Beatriz
Hawkins, Catherine
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Texas State University, Center for Diversity and Gender Studies
Abstract
Although immigrant Latinas, including many undocumented students, are gaining more access to higher education, they lag behind non-Hispanic and white female students in completing a four-year degree, due to social, economic, political, and legal obstacles. Undocumented Latina students face significant challenges in the current social, political, legal, economic climate in the U.S., including proposed immigration restrictions and continued opposition to the DREAM Act. Investigation this population of students is critical in order to understand the implications of proposed immigration reforms in order to more effectively advocate on their behalf and redress these obstacles. This is an issue of human rights as well as the long-term benefit of the U.S. to access their real and potential contributions to the larger society. This article reviews the challenges faced by undocumented Latina students pursuing higher education in the United States, including an exploration of current demographic trends and generational changes, examination of contemporary immigration policy, and review of relevant recent research on this vulnerable population, with a focus on building resiliency.
Description
Keywords
Hispanic students, higher education, undocumented students
Citation
Gomez, B., & Hawkins, C. (2012). Undocumented Hispanic students pursuing higher education in the U.S.: A dream deferred. <i>Journal of Research on Women and Gender, 3</i>(2), pp. 61-88.