Challenges in Higher Education for Latino U.S - Born Children of Undocumented Immigrants

Latino native-born children of undocumented immigrants in the United States occupy a unique position within American society. They are citizens by birth and therefore, entitled to all the rights of a regular citizen. However, society does not treat them as such due to their parents' legal status. This paper analyzes the barriers that these students face during the higher education process, specifically in South Carolina. The study uses a review of existing literature and qualitative interviews to uncover some of these challenges and why these students do not ask for help. The findings suggest that these students do have certain privileges due to being born in the United States but that many of their challenges overlap with those of undocumented students. These issues must be addressed by universities and people in power through targeted support programs that fully recognize the unique struggles faced by these students in mixed-status families. There is a large collection of existing literature regarding children in mixed-status families, but little that examines the obstacles they face as they turn into active contributors of American society. This research contributes to that gap and emphasizes the need to ensure equal access to higher education.