Table of ContentsIntroductionPromising Practices for Supporting Undocumented StudentsConclusionIntroductionThe domestic life of immigrants has its own particularities beyond cultural differences and linguistics. It is not uncommon for immigrant families to live with extended family members, all helping to survive in difficult living conditions. Very often, families are made up of mixed legal statuses; some members are undocumented while others are legal residents by marriage, have temporary work visas, are young adults eligible for DACA, or are U.S.-born citizens. Each individual has their own legal constraints and privileges and therefore has unique family obligations. Say no to plagiarism. Get a Custom Essay on "Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Given ongoing political, legal, social, and psychological challenges, only a small percentage of undocumented students successfully pursue and complete colleges post-secondary studies in the United States. education. Those who manage to access university have overcome great difficulties, developed above-average resilience and continue their studies with the dream of improving their situation. Promising practices for supporting undocumented students affordability, but rather re-imagine and rebuild a campus culture that recognizes, accepts, and integrates students from diverse backgrounds. This may require some modification of campus structures and policies to be truly inclusive, while aligning with the values ​​and mission of the institution. Critical Race Theory (CRT) can inform culturally responsive and strengths-based support for undocumented students by addressing structural racism and drawing attention to the diverse forms of cultural wealth and life experience accumulated by the students. Tara J. Yosso explains that CRT "shifts the lens of research" away from a deficit view of communities of color as places full of cultural disadvantages of poverty, and instead focuses on and learns from the spectrum of knowledge , skills, abilities and cultural contacts possessed by socially marginalized groups which often remain unknown and unrecognized. Departing undocumented students tend to be highly motivated, hard workers who honor their family's sacrifices and struggles and bear a great deal of responsibility for providing for their family. They are courageous pioneers, leading the way against forces that thwart their goals. Many are activists who know that their personal struggle serves a larger purpose of collective struggle for social and racial justice. Considering Yosso's Community Cultural Wealth Model as a framework, a culturally responsive advisor can help students translate their unique skills and assets to the new college environment, allowing students to navigate with their own capital. An advisor who demonstrates sensitivity to cultural and developmental backgrounds and spends time building trust and integrity with these students can be a life-changing resource and help them progress toward degree completion and a career. Create a Welcoming Campus Environment College campuses can begin creating a non-document-friendly reputation by openly recognizing and welcoming undocumented students as valued members of the community. It is the responsibility of the establishment to generate policiesand practices that include underrepresented students, enable their self-representation (rather than a forced identity), and cultivate a greater sense of belonging. Diverse education and training for all faculty, staff and students is essential to fostering a spirit of inclusion of all, regardless of color, gender, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability , social or economic class, nationality and immigration status. There are a growing number of colleges and universities in the United States that serve undocumented students. Online programs and resources that promote inclusion and belonging, such as UC's Undocumented Student Program Berkeley, the Longhorn DREAMers Project at the University of Texas at Austin, Loyola University Chicago's Undocumented Student Resources, and Harvard College's student-led organization, Act on a Dream. Support System It is beneficial to establish a cross-campus network of institutional agents to create specialized support for undocumented students. These campus specialists can act as advocates and allies by listening to and learning about students' needs and goals and providing one-on-one contact at critical times in their academic journey. Specialists also serve as advocates for this marginalized group and have the authority to recommend administrative and policy changes that would improve the quality and educational success of undocumented students. In cases where colleges do not know who and how many undocumented students are attending, administrators and allies contact information should be posted in high-traffic areas on campus. Specialists can collect student success data and anecdotal student stories to demonstrate how important it is to invest in these students and improve leadership buy-in. Foster Safe Spaces to Enhance Support Colleges can create safe spaces in dorms, student centers, study halls, special events, and even virtual spaces where students, their peers, and allies can feel safe feel comfortable, develop positive self-esteem within a broader community, confront prejudice, and work together to improve the school climate. It is helpful to identify empathetic faculty and staff who are willing to be actively involved in supporting these individuals. Organized safe spaces, networks of allies, and faculty-peer mentoring programs contribute to a welcoming campus environment. Ensuring Privacy A non-friendly campus can provide accurate, up-to-date knowledge of legal and institutional policies and opportunities while preserving students' legal backgrounds and knowledge. confidential status and compliant with FERPA regulations. Incoming students should be informed of the institutional agents in their support network and should always be asked permission before sharing any information. University administrators can design crisis plans, including releasing students from financial obligations in the event a student or family member is detained or deported. Also consider campus safety protocols and staff training for emergent situations, such as federal law enforcement agents coming to campus. Provide outreach services and resources. Unfriendly recruitment efforts may include welcome messages to attract the undocumented student population and encourage..