“It is hard right now”: High School Educators Working with Undocumented Students

This project began with an interest in learning about the experiences of educators working with undocumented high school students in San Diego County. The backdrop for this study is the current anti-immigrant climate, specifically targeting Latinx undocumented immigrants. Educators in the San Diego County are working in a context where immigration authorities are deporting their students’ family members. Our aim is to begin painting a picture of who these educators are and some of the practices they employ to support their undocumented students. We hope our findings will begin to support educators and in turn their students

Heightened Uncertainty and Determination: The “Trump Effect” and College Aspirations for Undocumented Students

This article examines the educational experiences of undocumented high school students during the Trump administration—a time marked by the intensification and expansion of immigration enforcement practices. Drawing on 24 in-depth interviews, we find that undocumented high school students experienced increased instances of bullying near the time of the 2016 U.S. presidential elections. Our respondents also worried about the growing uncertainty surrounding immigration policies and the future of DACA. This uncertainty shaped their plans; many students felt compelled to prioritize working and delay starting college to make use of their work permit while they had access to DACA and build emergency savings. While the current political climate gravely exacerbated students’ fear and anxiety, students demonstrated a tremendous amount of resiliency, agency, and determination to achieve their goals. We find that access to a support network and encouraging school personnel played a key role. Thus, we conclude this article with a set of key recommendations for educators and counselors who are working with undocumented students and their families on the ground

Cultivando Sabiduría (Cultivating Wisdom): Latinx Immigrant Elders and Civic Engagement

This article describes a program, Cultivando Sabiduría (Cultivating Wisdom), that was created to honor and further ignite civic engagement in low-income, Spanish-speaking Latinx elders. Cultivando Sabiduría utilized a popular education pedagogical approach and culturally validating curriculum. Methodological and theoretical innovations aided in recognizing program participants’ strengths. Discussion is provided on the social and health benefits of volunteering and civic engagement for Latinx elders. The 177 Latinx program participants were ages 55+ years old and primarily low income with low (formal) educational levels. Program impacts included identification of the strengths of the elders in terms of civic engagement and community leadership, feelings of belonging, and the culturally and linguistically relevant literacy activities offered by the program

“It is hard right now”: High School Educators Working with Undocumented Students

This project began with an interest in learning about the experiences of educators working with undocumented high school students in San Diego County. The backdrop for this study is the current anti-immigrant climate, specifically targeting Latinx undocumented immigrants. Educators in the San Diego County are working in a context where immigration authorities are deporting their students’ family members. Our aim is to begin painting a picture of who these educators are and some of the practices they employ to support their undocumented students. We hope our findings will begin to support educators and in turn their students

“It is hard right now”: High School Educators Working with Undocumented Students

This project began with an interest in learning about the experiences of educators working with undocumented high school students in San Diego County. The backdrop for this study is the current anti-immigrant climate, specifically targeting Latinx undocumented immigrants. Educators in the San Diego County are working in a context where immigration authorities are deporting their students’ family members. Our aim is to begin painting a picture of who these educators are and some of the practices they employ to support their undocumented students. We hope our findings will begin to support educators and in turn their students