(Last updated on April 2019)

If you are an educator or counselor working with undocumented youth, make sure to check out these helpful resources. We are continually expanding this list as more information comes in so be sure to return to this page periodically.

Post-Election: Recommendations for School Administrators, Educators, Counselors, and Undocumented Students by My Undocumented Life

At My Undocumented Life, we have identified steps that schools and universities can take to support undocumented students in light of the post-election results.  Trump has stated that he would heighten immigration enforcement, end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, and increase the number of deportations. Undocumented students and their families all across the country are increasingly becoming anxious and fearful over what the Trump presidency will do in terms of immigration policies and amplifying the anti-immigrant sentiment that Trump’s campaign has fostered. Now, more than ever, undocumented students and their families need support from educators, counselors, and administrators.

UndocuStudent Resource Centers Map by the USRC research project

The Undocumented Student Resource Center research project released a map highlighting the different centers that are available for undocumented students and their families across the country. As of February 2019, there are 58 institutions with Undocumented Student Resource Centers.

“3 Ways That Teachers Can be Public Educator Activists & Advocate With and For Undocumented Students” by United We Dream

This article presents the following three steps that teachers can take to advocate for undocumented students: (1) Knowing the Facts; (2) Understanding the Experience; (3) Continuing to learn, grow, advocate

“Institutional policies and programs with and for undocumented students” by United We Dream

In this toolkit, you will find 29 different steps that your school can take to become more supportive of undocumented students. There is a detailed description of why each step is important, what it entails, and information on schools that have already taken this step. For example, step #22 is about creating access to emergency funds for undocumented students. United We Dream notes that this is important because “Undocumented students don’t have the employment opportunities a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident has, and therefore they experience severe financial struggles. In addition to the extreme financial need, undocumented students are not eligible for federal loans, financial aid or health insurance. Offering emergency funding to undocumented students through grant money or departmental money (for rent payments, food, health, etc.) can make a difference in a student’s college success.”

They also explain what this step would look like: “Emergency funding open to undocumented students should have the following components: 1. Be flexible in what the funding could be used for (i.e. rent, food, health, books, software, shoes, clothing (winter coats/boots), transportation (gas/bus pass) 2. Be realistic in the expected time to repay loans 3. Have the option for different payment plans 4. Have the option to not incur interest until after graduation and/or until they are employed.” And they list Georgetown University as an example of a school that has already taken this step.

“Guide for Teachers Helping DREAMers” by United We Dream

This guide was created for teachers and service providers in mind who teach, mentor and help undocumented youth (also commonly known as DREAMers). Many times you, the teacher, are the first individual a DREAMer comes out to as undocumented immigrant. This scenario is likely to continue happening as there has been a government directive called Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, a directive that will continue to change the lives of DREAMers. It is likely that you might not have the tools or knowledge about the issue and/or resources available for these youth. Therefore, United We Dream hopes that this document gives you a brief, easy-to-read guide on how to help DREAMers and where they can get support. The content in this guide was compiled by United We Dream from the work created by Educators for Fair Consideration (E4FC), National Immigration Law Center (NILC), PEW Research Center, & USCIS.

“Advising Undocumented Students” by College Week

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