Myths and Misconceptions about Undocumented
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Transcript Myths and Misconceptions about Undocumented
MYTHS AND
MISCONCEPTIONS
ABOUT
UNDOCUMENTED
YOUTH
UNDOCUMENTED
STUDENT SERVICES
UC SAN DIEGO
Jessica Muñoz, Esq., MFS,
Coordinator
WHO
ARE UNDOCUMENTED YOUTH?
Youth who are undocumented do not have
immigration status.
Youth who are undocumented come from diverse
backgrounds and countries of origin.
Some youth, youth from mixed immigration status
families, who are not undocumented have important
families members who are undocumented.
MYTHS
AND
MISCONCEPTIONS
Sorting reality from perception
MYTH 1:
STATE AND
FEDERAL PROGRAMS
DESIGNED TO SUPPORT YOUTH HAVE
SIMILAR REQUIREMENTS
State programs, such as AB540 and California
Dream Act, have different requirements than federal
programs, such as DACA.
A student may meet the requirements for one,
some, all or none of the state and federal programs
that create opportunities for undocumented youth
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AB540
AND DACA?
AB540
Calif. state law
College student-specific
legislation
Does NOT defer
deportation
Does not provide SSN
or work authorization
DACA
Presidential executive
order
Not college studentspecific
Defers deportation
Means to SSN and
work authorization
FEDERAL DREAM ACT
Has NOT been passed and is NOT a federal law
DREAM is an acronym for Development, Relief and
Education for Alien Minors
There are multiple versions
The centerpiece of federal DREAM Act legislation is
a path to legal permanency for undocumented
young people who entered the U.S. as children and
have pursued a college education and/or military
service
MYTH 2:
NEW LAWS HAVE FIXED THE PROBLEMS
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and
Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and
Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA)
Are not laws
Would be easy to change/reverse
Are not pathways to legal permanency
Do not/Will not apply to everyone
MYTH 3:
ALL/MOST UNDOCUMENTED
AS LATINO/A.
YOUTH IDENTIFY
Nationally, the majority of youth who have
requested and been approved for DACA do come
from Mexico, El Salvador, Honduras, and
Guatemala.
Countries that are ranked in the top 23 “countries of
birth” for DACA recipients also include
Korea
Philippines
India
Jamaica
Pakistan
Poland
COUNTRY
OF
ORIGIN:
DACA APPLICANTS VS.
UC SAN DIEGO STUDENTS
DACA Applicants (Country of
Birth)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Mexico (76%)
El Salvador (4%)
Honduras (3%)
Guatemala (3%)
Korea (1%)
Source: Based on publically available statistics from the
United States Customs and Immigration Services,
Characteristics of Individuals Requesting and Approved
for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), August
2012-September 2013. Available online at
www.uscis.gov
UCSD Students (Country of
Emigration)
1.
2.
3.
4.
Mexico (38%)
Korea (37%)
Canada (3%)
Philippines (3%)
Note: All other countries were
2% or less
Source: UC San Diego Winter 2014 Need Assessment of
Undocumented Students. All information was self-reported.
MYTH 4
UNDOCUMENTED YOUTH AND THEIR
FAMILIES CAN’T/DON’T PAY TAXES
Youth with DACA receive an SSN
Undocumented individuals without an SSN can use an
ITIN for filing income taxes
Recent estimates suggest that in California alone,
taxpayers who are undocumented contribute over 2
billion dollars in state and local taxes*
*Undocumented Immigrants State and Local Tax Contributions, Institute on Taxation and
Economic Policy, July 2013. Available online at http://www.itep.org/immigration/#map.
DISCUSSION
TIME
How does the perpetuation of these (or other myths)
affect students’ experiences in the classroom, on
campus, and beyond?
AFFECTS
OF
MYTHS
ON
STUDENTS
Students may be given misinformation
Students may not seek information based on fears
related to stereotypes
Students may not receive proper recommendations
when trying to make decisions and/or may not
understand consequences of choices.
NOW
WHAT?
What is available for students?
How can I help?
WHY
ARE SERVICES NEEDED?
Students who are undocumented face unique
obstacles while pursuing their higher education
goals. For example:
Economic barriers
Legal concerns (self and family)
Travel restrictions (local, domestic, international)
WHAT
SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE?
Undocumented Student Services Coordinator
Website, undoc.ucsd.edu
Private consultations with students regarding any
status-related issue
Individual conversations or group
presentations/workshops for staff and faculty
Resources for parents, prospective students, and
community members
WHAT
SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE?
Resource Center
Programs for students
Educational programs
Supportive/Wellness programs
Social events
Volunteer opportunities
WHAT CAN I DO TO SUPPORT STUDENTS?
Think about your work from the point-of-view of a
person who is undocumented
Make information available in a way that does not
require self-disclosure
When a student/family member does disclose,
listen before you leap
LISTEN
Let the student talk first
“I don’t know” is an acceptable answer
Share appreciation for student’s disclosure
Tell the student about FERPA/confidentiality
Eliminate the use of the word “illegal”
Never make a promise you can’t keep
CONTACT JESSICA
Jessica Muñoz, Esq., MFS, Coordinator
Undocumented Student Services
(858) 822-6916
[email protected]
undoc.ucsd.edu