Index IntroductionPromising Practices for Supporting Undocumented StudentsConclusionIntroductionImmigrant home life has its own particularities beyond cultural and linguistic differences. It is not uncommon for immigrant families to live with extended family members, all helping to survive difficult living conditions. Many times families are made up of mixed legal statuses; some members are undocumented while others are legal residents through marriage, have temporary work visas, are DACA-eligible young adults, or are U.S.-born citizens. Each individual has their own legal constraints and privileges and therefore has unique family obligations. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Given constant political, legal, social, and psychological challenges, only a small percentage of undocumented students actually pursue and successfully complete post-secondary education in the United States. Those who make it to college have overcome great odds, have developed above-average resilience, and pursue education with the dream of improving their situation. Promising Practices for Supporting Undocumented Students The solution to creating an “undocu-friendly” college is never just to provide access and affordability, but rather to reimagine and rebuild a campus culture that recognizes, accepts, and integrates students from diverse backgrounds . This may require some changes in campus structures and policies to make them truly inclusive while aligning them with institutional values ​​and mission. Critical race theory (CRT) can provide culturally responsive, strength-based supports for undocumented students by addressing structural racism and drawing attention to students' various forms of accumulated cultural wealth and lived experience. Tara J. Yosso explains that CRT “shifts the research lens away from a deficit view of Communities of Color as places rife with disadvantages related to cultural poverty, and instead focuses on and learns from the range of cultural knowledge, skills, abilities, and contacts owned by socially marginalized groups who often go unrecognized and unrecognized.”College Undocumented students tend to be highly motivated, hard workers who honor the sacrifice and hardships of their families and carry a great weight of responsibility in supporting their family. They are courageous pioneers, making their way through forces that thwart their goals. Many are activists who know that their personal struggle serves a larger purpose of collective struggle toward social and racial justice. Taking Yosso's community cultural wealth model as a framework, a culturally responsive advisor can help students translate their unique skills and resources into the new world university environment, which allows students to navigate on their own capital. An advisor who demonstrates sensitivity to cultural and developmental contexts, and who takes time to build trust and integrity with these students, can be a life-changing resource and help increase their progress toward graduation and a career. Creating a Welcoming Campus Environment College campuses can begin to build a pro-undocumented reputation by openly recognizing and welcoming undocumented students as valued members of the community. It is the institution's responsibility to generate policies and practices that integrate underrepresented students, enable theirself-representation (rather than a forced identity) and cultivate a greater sense of belonging. Diversity education and training for all faculty, staff and students is vital to foster a spirit of inclusion of all people, regardless of color, gender, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, social or economic class, nationality and immigration status. There are a growing number of U.S. colleges and universities with exemplary undocumented student programs and online resources that promote inclusion and belonging, such as UC Berkeley's Undocumented Student Program, the University of Texas Austin, Loyola University Chicago's Undocumented Student Resources, and Harvard College's student-led organization, Act on a Dream. Create a Support System It is helpful to establish a network of institutional agents across campuses to create specialized support for undocumented students. These campus specialists can act as advocates and allies by listening and becoming familiar with students' needs and goals and providing one-on-one contact at critical moments in their academic journey. Specialists also serve as a voice for this marginalized group and have the power to recommend administrative and policy changes that would improve the quality and success of undocumented students' education. In cases where universities do not know who and how many undocumented students attend, administrative duties and ally contact information should be displayed in high-traffic campus spaces. Specialists can collect data on student success and anecdotal student stories to demonstrate how important it is to invest in these students and improve leadership buy-in. Promote Safe Spaces to Enhance Support Colleges can create safe spaces in dorms, student centers, study halls, special events, and even virtual spaces where students, peers, and allies can feel comfortable, building a positive sense of self within of the broader community, address biases, and work together to improve school climate. It is helpful to identify empathetic faculty and staff members who want to be actively involved in supporting these individuals. Organized safe spaces, networks of allies, and mentorship programs among faculty and peers help create a welcoming environment on campus. Ensuring Confidentiality An undocu-friendly campus can provide accurate, up-to-date knowledge about legal and institutional policies and opportunities, while keeping students' backgrounds and legal status confidential and compliant with FERPA regulations. Incoming students should be informed about institutional agents in their support network and should always be asked for permission before sharing any information. University administrators can develop crisis plans, including releasing students from financial obligations in the event that a student or family member is arrested or deported. Also consider campus safety protocols and staff training for emergency situations, such as the arrival of federal agents on campus. Provide Outreach and Resources Indocu recruitment efforts can include welcome messages to attract the undocumented student population and encourage students to participate in pre-college programs, campus visits, merit-based academic programs, and other opportunities. It is important to provide clear information about scholarships open to all students, regardless of immigration status. Once admitted.