Undocumented Immigrants My Song Learning Objectives If someone is undocumented, it means They do not have lawful presence in the United States i.e. not a citizen, no green card, no work/travel visa They are permitted to enroll in any K-12 school and receive the same services as any student Rationale Timing Most undocumented youth entered the United States before school age and completed their K12 education in the United States. Thus, few have ties to their country of birth, and most intend to remain in the United States well into adulthood. (Chen, A., 2012). Academics There are approximately million undocumented students in the U.S. and 49% of these students will drop out of high school (as opposed to 11% of native born students). SES Most undocumented immigrants have the lowest levels of educational attainment among the foreign-born and are often confined to the lowest end of the socioeconomic spectrum (Perez, W., 2012). The median annual household income of undocumented immigrants is 30% less than that of U.S. born families. Developmental Levels: Elementary School Cognitive: Crucial time for language development -Large vocabulary increase Bilingual Development -When school age children acquire a second language, it takes 5-7 years to attain speaking and writing skills on par with native speaking agemates. -Undocumented children who are ESL could get really behind. Social: -Culture is strongly tied to self esteem--if children attend schools or live in neighborhoods where SES and ethnic group are well represented, then they have a stronger sense of belonging and self worth. Berk, L. (2008). Exploring Lifespan Development (3rd ed.). Boston: Pearson Education. Developmental Levels: Elementary School Physical: -Children experience more illnesses during the first 2 years of elementary school than later because of exposure to sick children and an immature immune system. -Undocumented children may not receive adequate healthcare because they wont be able to go to the doctor as easily if at all. -Poverty-stricken children often suffer from malnutrition -Pollution, stressful home lives, lack of access to good healthcare and rise in childhood obesity all lead to increase in disease especially among african american and poverty stricken children. Berk, L. (2008). Exploring Lifespan Development (3rd ed.). Boston: Pearson Education. Developmental Levels: Middle School -Transition between levels goes smoother for kids who have involved parents (keep tabs on assignments, check in with teachers, etc.) -Undocumented parents may be working low-wage jobs with long hours, so they may not have time for this sort of involvement. This results in the child not transitioning as well. -Many low SES minority students are placed on low academic tracks. -Acculturative Stress: psychological distress resulting from conflict between minority and host culture. -This can cause parents to restrict teens, which ultimately causes them to rebel. Berk, L. (2008). Exploring Lifespan Development (3rd ed.). Boston: Pearson Education. Developmental Levels: High School -Drop out rates are high among low SES ethnic minority youth (particularly Hispanics) -If students are undocumented, they may not think they can attend college and therefore have an apathetic attitude about finishing high school. -Difficulty getting a drivers license -Undocumented students may not be aware that they are able to get a drivers license. This sets them apart from their peers and makes it more difficult to mix into social circles. -Friendship: Teens look for intimacy, mutual understanding, and loyalty. -Mutual understanding of each others values, beliefs, and feelings. -Undocumented students may not feel like they can share that part of them with friends. Berk, L. (2008). Exploring Lifespan Development (3rd ed.). Boston: Pearson Education. Understanding Immigration Laws DACA Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals On June 15, 2012, the Obama Administration announced that it would not deport certain undocumented persons who entered the U.S. as children. Recipients may remain in the U.S. and apply for work authorization NOT a path to permanent residency or citizenship Requirements See DACA screening form Most likely to involve schools (applicants requesting all school records) Benefits Work visa Drivers License Temporary social security number Eligibility for professions that involve state licensure (ex. Nursing, cosmetology) What it doesnt mean In-state tuition FAFSA Helping Undocumented Students Apply to College While in High School University Credits in High School (benefits: theyre free, dont have to take them/pay for them in college) (online classes that give college and high school credit for no cost- offered during the summer and school year) UNCG iSchool UNC-Gs online school- can take classes online that count for college and high school no cost (only certain rural high schools are eligible) AP Classes- tests cost $80 Middle/Early College- program for last two years of high school Community College Currently, undocumented students who graduate from a U.S. high school may enroll in an NC community college BUT must Pay out of state tuition $7000-$8000 per year Cannot displace a citizen student Must wait until all citizen students have enrolled in classes Certain classes may become full before an undocumented student has a chance to enroll making it more difficult to fill a programs requirements Community College Continued Non-degree seeking programs/Continuing Education Programs Cheaper alternative Most popular option: Certified Nursing Assistant In-state summer tuition Some community colleges in the state ONLY charge IN-STATE tuition for their summer terms. This means that regardless of immigration status, students all pay the same cheaper, in-state rate during the summer. Also, students do not have to take any classes during the semester to qualify for summer school. They can exclusively take summer school courses. Two schools that definitely have this option are Mitchell Community College in Statesville, NC Cape Fear Community College in Wilmington, NC (here you can take up to 9 hours of credit during the summer) UNC-System Schools Apply as international student/ must pay out of state tuition Accept all students from NC regardless of documentation Semester tuition for out of state student: $7000- $8000 -Extra $$$ for housing and food (to cut costs possibly take two classes at a time, work in school, live at home) Private Universities Can admit whoever they want Almost always have private scholarships Want more Latino students! Drawbacks: $$$$, less diversity Online classes through Mexican (home country) Universities Usually only offers classes in Spanish (require very advanced level of Spanish) Designed for immigrant students Much less expensive Online- has benefits and drawbacks Drawback- may not be valued the same as a degree from a U.S. university Return to country of origin and study at university there Less expensive Different cultural learning environment Requires very advanced level of Spanish Long distance from family Immigration rules- couldnt return to U.S. if didnt like it Golden Door ScholarsDeadline: November 2015 Full Scholarship including enrichment opportunities HIGHLY prioritize students from NC and SC Partner Institutions Queens University of Charlotte, Elon, Davidson, Johnson C. Smith, Furman, High Point University, Belmont Abbey College, Wake Forest Questbridge The following partner colleges will consider undocumented students (students who live in the U.S. and do not have a current visa) for the full College Match scholarship: Brown, Carleton, Grinnell, Pomona, Princeton, Swarthmore, University of Chicago, Vanderbilt, Washington & Lee, Williams, and Yale. What are actions that students can take to help themselves in the application process beyond being as competitive as possible for scholarships? (Ex: meet in person with admissions officers, apply early) Tell your story Example: Fernanda Have an advocate Example: Athletic Coaches Take initiative Take advantage of Durhams proximity to higher education Know Your Rights El Pueblo: a vision for a just and equal community, where all are respected, valued, and engaged.pueblo.gotpantheon.com/sites/default/files/bustcard_eng_ pdfpueblo.gotpantheon.com/sites/default/files/bustcard_eng_ pdf Justice Center of North Carolina Immigration legal services (919) (Migrant Worker Rights, Unemployment Insurance, Low-Income Immigrants) Immigrant Legal Resource Centerimmigrants-para-inmigrantes/know-your-rights Legal Aid: Farmworker Unit (919) Free legal services to farmworkers. Community Resources Access to Healthcare in NC Community Resources Access to Healthcare in NC Alliance Medical (919) Health clinic for employed adults living in Wake County without insurance. (The cost depends on income.) Student Health Action Coalition Community Resources Employment Resources NC Department of Labor (800) Investigating complaints of unpaid wages, no matter their legal status. Employment Discrimination (919) Help and support for people who experience discrimination at work. DACA drivers licenses Community Resources Childcare Boys and Girls Club (919) Programs after school Child Care Services Association (919) Free help for parents in finding childcare Listos para Aprender (919) Education, health and support for families with children ages 0-5. Community Resources Emergency Resources (Food, Shelter, etc.) Helen Wright Center for Women (919) Raleigh Rescue Mission (919) Salvation Army (919) Wake Family Entry (919) South Wilmington St. Center (919) Catholic Parish Outreach (919) Salvation Army (919) Second Harvest Food Bank (919) Volunteer for 2 hours to receive food for the month Community Resources El Futuro: A clinic serving Spanish-speaking individuals and families with bi- lingual culturally informed behavioral health treatment including counseling and substance abuse services. Dress for Success : Works to promote economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. United Way Triangle: A champion for change in our communities.Raleigh Parks and Recreation (919) English classes (free) and computer, dance, and other recreational opportunities at parks in Raleigh. Sourcesimmigrants/ /#GhBFRqiEsU0TMbsY childhood-arrivals-dacachildhood-arrivals-dacaPresentation adapted from PowerPoint given by the NC Adelante Coalition, Fall Berk, L. (2008). Exploring Lifespan Development (3rd ed.). Boston: Pearson Education.