Challenges Faced by students without proper documentation

Every year 65,000 students without proper documentation graduate from high school. Many of these students face possible deportation, lack of funding for higher education, and lack the ability to use their degree after they graduate. They may become trapped in a low-income cycle they can never escape. One minor detail completely beyond their control – the circumstances of where and to whom they were born – keeps tens of thousands of talented high school graduates every year from going to college or finding a good job. Some of them believe they are U.S. citizens until it is time to apply for college. They don’t qualify for most financial aid, scholarships, grants or loans; some of them were unable to go on to college because of this. Those who are university students struggle greatly to make ends meet financially. They live with the constant threat of deportation. They face the question of how to work after they graduate with degrees in civil engineering, science, education... The courage, strength and determination of these students without proper documentation are incredible.

Monday, March 14, 2011

“You Are Not Alone” packet

S.C.I.R. created the “You Are Not Alone” packet, which has the purpose of giving students immediate hope with resources that help them work within the system while empowering them to make political change. The “You’re Not Alone” packet explains how to apply to higher education facilities in Washington; lists the resources available at Western Washington University for students without proper documentation and staff and faculty members who are allies; lists political organizations to get involved with to make change; lists scholarship opportunities; and explains current legislation affecting students without proper documentation as well as future legislation that could help. We plan to also create a packet for teachers and counselors so they can better support their students. In the future we will translate both packets into other languages.

We are in the process of updating the "You Are Not Alone" packet and will post it to our blog as soon as possible. Please email S.C.I.R. to request a PDF copy. Please remember to cite S.C.I.R. if you reference our work, particularly any information contained in the packet. S.C.I.R. reserves all rights to the information and original research contained in our publications.

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