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Essential Tips for Assisting Undocumented Students

Essential Guide for Supporting Undocumented Students: Practical Tips for Faculty and Staff

“Every academic year, 454,000 undocumented students graduate from high school in the United States. As of 7/24/2024, around 5%-10% of these 454,000 high school graduates move on to a higher education institution. There are 16,000 undocumented students in Maryland. Maryland allows undocumented students to pay in-state tuition under certain conditions.”

Read more about Undocumented Students in Higher Education, the Maryland Dream Act, and the Maryland Student Financial Aid Application. 

  1. Understanding Key Indicators
  • Key phrases to listen for:
    • "I don’t have a Social Security Number."
    • "I can’t complete the FAFSA."
    • "I need help with the MSFAA."
    • "I don’t have any of those documents."
    • "I can’t get a loan."

Do not inquire about a student's immigration status. Students may have legitimate fears about disclosing this information. Faculty and staff should not make assumptions about students’ immigration status. Remind students that your role as a staff or administrator is to help and support them and that their personal information and records fall under federal law FERPA guidelines. You can share more information about FERPA or share this website with them: Student Privacy (FERPA explained).

  1. Providing a Safe Environment
  • Use Inclusive Language: Avoid assumptions about students' citizenship status. Use neutral terms like “financial assistance”  “legal support” “undocumented student” “undocumented immigrant” “people without documents,” or “people without legal status.” The term “illegal alien” is derogatory and dehumanizing and will make students feel unwelcome.
  • Convey Openness and Assurance of Confidentiality: If a student chooses to disclose their immigration status, conveying openness and confidentiality provides reassurance of safety to the student. Assure students that their information will be used only to provide support.
  1. Sensitivity in Classroom Discussions
  • Be Aware: Acknowledge and be sensitive to the limitations undocumented students and their families may face, such as accessing healthcare, constant fear of deportation, work authorization issues, inability to travel, etc.
  • Create an Inclusive Environment: Avoid discussing these topics in a way that may alienate or single out undocumented students. Foster an inclusive and supportive classroom atmosphere.
  1. Political Climate Awareness
  • Stay Informed: Recognize that the political climate can significantly impact undocumented students’ experiences and access to resources. Current policies and public sentiments may affect students’ stress levels and their interactions with support services.
  • Provide Support: Offer a supportive and understanding environment, acknowledging the additional stress and uncertainty that the political climate may cause undocumented students and their families.
  • Advocate: Encourage and support initiatives that promote the rights and well-being of undocumented students within the institution and the broader community.
  1. Identifying Barriers & Connecting Students to Resources
  • Financial Barriers: Offer information on available scholarships, emergency funds, and financial resources specific to undocumented students.
  • Legal Barriers: Provide referrals to legal aid organizations or resources for immigration-related issues.
  • Housing Barriers: Connect students with resources for affordable housing or temporary assistance if needed.
  1. Things to Avoid
  • Inappropriate Resource Referrals: Do not offer resources that are unavailable to undocumented students, such as federal loans or part-time employment that requires a Social Security Number.
  • Misleading Guidance: Avoid suggesting that students visit the Social Security office to obtain a Social Security Number if they do not qualify for one.
  • Unsupported Advice: Refrain from providing legal advice unless you are a qualified legal professional. Always refer students to appropriate legal resources.
  1. When You Don’t Know the Answer
  • Seek Guidance: If you don’t know the answer to a student’s question or are unsure about the best course of action, it is much better to admit that and seek appropriate guidance. Misdirecting a student can lead to further complications. Always aim to connect them with the right resources or staff member who can provide accurate information.
  1. Follow-Up
  • Regular Check-Ins: Schedule follow-up meetings to ensure students are receiving the support they need and to address any additional concerns.
  • Feedback Collection: Encourage students to share their experiences and provide feedback on the support services offered.

Remember: Your role in listening and providing support is crucial in helping undocumented students navigate their challenges and succeed.