With the 2024 U.S. presidential election fast approaching, we wanted to share a set of affirmations and resources for undocumented students grappling with this highly uncertain and challenging period. Have additional affirmations or resources to share? Share them in the “comment” box below!
Resources for Students
Election- and immigration-related updates can feel overwhelming and stressful, but it can be helpful to ground yourself on what matters to you and your community. Check in with yourself (and see how you feel) and reach out for support when needed. There are different ways to do this. Immigrants Rising developed this helpful grounding and reflection worksheet to reduce stress and anxiety. Angie, from the NYSYLC, also wrote a “Dear Me” letter that highlights the difficulties associated with navigating everyday life while undocumented in a way that can be reaffirming, grounding, and empowering.
If you are currently enrolled in school, check to see if there is an undocumented youth-led organization or undocumented student services office on your campus. These networks can provide vital support and resources. If you are currently enrolled in school, check to see if counseling services are available. Schools often offer a set of free counseling sessions and referrals to outside providers for additional and ongoing support. Connecting with a professional mental health provider, such as a therapist or counselor, may also be helpful.
The undocuBasic Needs project also compiled a list of helpful mental health resources, including information on online wellness support groups. If you are a student in California, Immigrants Rising created this tool to help you find support. If you live in Arizona, Aliento offers programming like arts and healing workshops, open mics, and more, which can help you find helpful for finding a sense of community and support. United We Dream also created this national directory that features information about mental health professionals who offer low-cost therapy or counseling sessions.
Check out UndocuProfessionals Network and UndocuPick-Up Lines for additional community affirmations.
Resources for School Personnel
If you identify as an educator, counselor, or administrator and would like to become better informed on the experiences of undocumented students, particularly in regard to their mental health, check out these resources:
- Dr. Liliana Campos presented on the impact of racial trauma on undocumented students and ways to best support them. As a formerly undocumented professional, Dr. Campos also discusses her own experience navigating higher education and the uncertainty surrounding immigration policy while undocumented.
- Kevin Scully presented on the set of mental health challenges undocumented students may experience, including insights on how to address some specific scenarios.
- The Dream.Us developed a presentation on ways to support undocumented students’ mental health and well-being. It included insight into the different signs of distress and techniques and resources to help students.
Carolina grew up undocumented in the U.S. for over a decade. In 2011, she created My Undocumented Life as a platform for undocumented communities to obtain up-to-date information and resources on pursuing higher education, immigration policies, and much more.
Diana (she/her) is an MPH student who is passionate about mobilizing resources for marginalized communities and raising awareness about ADHD, particularly among women of color. She has extensive work experience working with undocumented students.
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At My Undocumented Life we provide up-to-date information and resources for undocumented immigrants and allies. We post scholarship opportunities that are open to undocumented students, strategies for navigating the educational system, information on how to apply for DACA/Advance Parole, news on DAPA, and much more. Most importantly, we want to provide a sense of community to our diverse group of readers. Learn more about our work here: “About Us“
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Categories: Educators/Counselors, Get involved, Health, Mental health, Navigating College
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