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
jessicamunoz@ucsd.edu
undoc.ucsd.edu