Journal Articles
Deconstructing Immigrant Illegality: A Mixed-Methods Investigation of Stress and Health Among Undocumented College Students
The mere state of being undocumented is viewed as a general stressor, without considering actual levels of stress or identifying dimensions of documentation status that contribute to overall stress levels. Drawing on surveys and interviews with undocumented students at the University of California, we uncover the everyday manifestations of four dimensions of immigrant “illegality”: academic concerns, future concerns, financial concerns, and deportation concerns, and their association with reported stress levels and self-rated health.
Mediating Illegality: Federal, State, and Institutional Policies in the Educational Experiences of Undocumented College Students
State and local government policies can make federally defined immigration status more or less consequential. Drawing on focus groups and interviews with undocumented students attending the University of California, we find that institutional policies work alongside state and local efforts to mediate the consequences of illegality for undocumented students. Although federal policies contribute to persistent barriers to academic engagement and professional development, we show that universities can intervene to improve educational experiences and opportunities.