Undocumented parents and education

I remember when I started college. It was intimidating and overwhelming at times. I remember looking for help at home, and not being able to find answers to my questions regarding college or decisions I had to make. My parents never went to school formally; hence it was difficult for them to give me advice. But they were always there. I always had all the emotional support I needed from them. Now that I look back I realize how lucky I was to have them walk with me, though at their own pace, but always there.

I also remember that out of my High School graduating class only a handful of us went on to college.

I never gave any thought to it but the fact that my parents were legal residents made all the difference. I could declare all their information in my scholarship and federal aid applications, they never hesitated to sign my requests, and never thought about what it would be like had they been undocumented.

Reading an article on this issue, research shows that children whose parents are undocumented immigrants are less likely to finish school or in general have fewer opportunities for education. On the part of the parents, there is an overwhelming instinct to remain in the shadows and children tend to follow their parents’ footsteps even when they themselves are legal residents or citizens.

According to the Pew Hispanic Center presently there are about 5 million children in the US whose parents are undocumented, and about 80% of them are US citizens.

The research found that mothers had the largest influence in how far students reached in their education. They are usually the ones taking care of the kids, helping with homework and meeting with teachers. If parents are afraid to interact with school, like in the case of Alabama, then the opportunities for their children are reduced dramatically.

But the immigration status is not the sole reason, the economic impact of being forced to live in the shadows is the main factor. Undocumented parents are not allowed to work legally, limiting their ability to support their family. In many instances, students are forced to leave school to help in supporting the family.

The article had the story of a young girl, which I will paraphrase here:

“Paulina, a sophomore from Los Angeles grew up as the daughter of undocumented Mexican immigrants. Her father sells elotes, corn on the cob, out of a car he pushes through town. The $200- $400 he makes is barely enough to support his family of six. And now he only makes a fraction of that.

Paulina is the only one still in school. Her older sister left school to work in a factory to help support the family and her brothers have dropped out of school. Paulina said, ‘My mom cries, she does not know what to do about them.’” (Story in colorlines.com)

What is your personal story? What is the story of your parents? Regardless of how hard your personal situation and that of your family may look, don’t give up. Look for support with your teachers and friends. Look for the necessary information and find a way.

Continue your dream and get your education. Do it for yourself and for people and families like Paulina’s.