The rise of anti-immigrant legislation creates new dilemmas for undocumented students surrounding finances and poses threats of deportation. As federal courts rule its legality, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals has since paused its applications. Colleges must now look into new strategies to support undocumented students. 

In addition, students on college campuses must become aware of how to become allies in the community. Becoming an ally to the undocumented community involves understanding the unique challenges, advocating for their rights and creating a supportive environment. Becoming an ally goes beyond empathy alone — here are ways the University and students can better support its undocumented students. 

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Support IDEAS at USC

Improving Dreams, Equality, Access, and Success is an organization that uplifts, supports and advocates for undocumented students at USC. Throughout the years, the campus organization has hosted annual events that celebrate the achievements of undocumented students and has called for action in support of immigration reform. These events are open to anyone, regardless of citizenship status, and have paved the way for institutional change regarding an immigrant-safe campus. Currently, the organization has a petition for a Dream Center; with signatures and active participation, students and faculty can support and gain an understanding of the community. The organization contributes significantly to the campus culture that embraces diversity and rights for every student. For further engagement, their Instagram is @ideasusc. 

Protesting and Advocating for Undocumented Students 

Undocumented students face unique challenges that have determined the direction of their educational journey and ultimately impact their well-being. Undocumented students have consistently been silenced and placed in the shadows. In order to understand and ensure that the conversation flourishes, allies must begin by listening and participating in immigrant marches and advocacy campaigns. This can contribute to raising awareness about the realities faced by the undocumented community. Allies can use their voice to promote an inclusive and safer environment. 

Involve Parents

In supporting undocumented students, the conversation must extend to undocumented parents as well. Undocumented students and children are often referred to as “DREAMers” and given undivided attention, while their undocumented parents remain isolated from the conversation of support. In order to assist the community, institutions and individuals must involve everyone who is undocumented, as immigrants are a diverse population and all carry dreams. Immigrants are also queer, disabled and come from diverse countries and various demographics.   

Create a Safe Space

One issue that the University has yet to resolve is the need for (an individual) space to resource and guide undocumented students. The University has lacked in its responsibility as a diverse school to provide for its undocumented population. USC must take action to build a Dream Center, a resource space that has staff trained in reasoning with undocumented students. In addition, with the intersectionality of being undocumented, undocumented students differ from their documented ethnic communities at USC. For example, involvement in cultural center spaces may not provide the comfort needed, as the acknowledgment of undocumented students is not often present in these spaces. There needs to be a dedicated space to ensure undocumented students on campus are resourced and have a space to enter when in need of guidance. The University has yet to appoint an undocumented student liaison, make budget changes to account for an undocumented student center or provide statements regarding DACA cases.   

Learn about Relevant Institutional Policies & Legislation

Immigration law is constantly changing, and recently, not for the better — ultimately impacting students’ well-being. In order to become an active ally, one must understand the challenges undocumented students face. To do this, one must educate themselves on immigration policies that affect undocumented students. Becoming knowledgeable about legislation impacting the undocumented community, people can vote for politicians who are in favor of immigration reform, supporting the community. In addition, call out politicians who vote and/or support anti-immigrant legislation. This further allows students to call for action to support their undocumented peers.  

Refrain from stereotyping 

Stereotypes have shaped negative perceptions of the undocumented community. In order to understand the community, allies must refrain from using stereotypical narratives of the community. Undocumented students on campus deserve to be a part of the USC community. The usage of terms such as “illegal” and “alien” are harmful and do not accurately represent the community for what it is. 

The University has plenty of room for improvement to make in supporting its undocumented community. To start, USC could begin offering appointments with embedded advisors, the formation of a Dream Center and “UndocuAlly” training for all faculty in supporting their undocumented students. As for USC students, becoming an ally to the undocumented community is a journey that requires commitment. Undocumented Trojans need allies to understand the challenges and advocate for change that has been pushed for by IDEAS at USC. At this moment, it feels as if IDEAS is the only organization on campus pushing for greater support within the University. In order to call for action within the University, documented students need to acknowledge and stand with the undocumented.

Heydy Vasquez is a sophomore writing about the lack of support for undocumented students on college campuses. Her column, “Undocu-Tales,” runs every other Wednesday.