There are currently 11 million immigrants of undocumented status in the United States, with over 80% comprising of Latinos. Latinos attain less education than other racial/ethnic groups, and immigrants of undocumented status face additional barriers to a higher education, such as being ineligible for federal financial aid. Using a resiliency framework, this study sought to identify the academic risk and protective factors affecting young Latinos of undocumented status in the United States. In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with 20 Latinos of undocumented status; eligible participants were between the ages of 16 and 30 who immigrated to the United States without authorization and have educational experiences within the United States educational system. Implementing a narrative approach, qualitative methodology was the primary mode of analysis. Results reveal themes related to academic risk factors specific to being of undocumented status, which were a financial demand for school, limited choices for college, and limitations of the DACA executive action. Themes related to academic protective factors fell into two types: personal and environmental protective factors. Personal protective factors were hope and determination, and a social responsibility to others; environmental protective factors were academic scholarships and awards, benefits associated with DACA, and natural mentors
