Undocumented Latino/a ‘Dreamers’ in the US and Higher Education, Department of Psychology
- Julio Rivas (Iowa State University)
Abstract
Recent political and legislative developments (DACA; Obama’s recent Executive Order concerning immigration), as well as research in education and psychology (cf. NLPA, 2014), have highlighted the trials and tribulations faced by undocumented Latino/a students in the United States as they attempt to obtain a higher education. In this presentation, we will summarize these issues and discuss potential implications of current immigration policy and practice surrounding undocumented Latino/a students. We will offer a brief history of the Dreamers Act legislation and the DACA initiative. In addition, we will discuss the psychological and educational impacts of possessing undocumented status and implications for policy surrounding undocumented Latino/a students in the United States.