Multi-level Factors Influencing College Campus Basic Needs Service Utilization: A Focus on Latino Immigration-Impacted Students in California

Immigration-impacted college students face unique challenges that increase their risk of experiencing basic needs insecurity. This study examined multi-level factors influencing the use of campus basic needs centers among Latino immigration-impacted students attending the University of California (UC). We analyzed three Latino undergraduate student populations: (1) undocumented immigrants, (2) U.S. citizens with undocumented immigrant parents, and (3) U.S. citizens with lawfully present parents. Survey data was collected by the UC Collaborative to Promote Immigrant and Student Equity (UC PromISE) from March-June 2020 at nine University of California campuses. Variables related to the Health Equity Framework were examined in relation to Basic Needs Center (BNC) use through descriptive and logistic regression analyses. Among 1,875 students who identify as Latina/o/x (mean age 20.6 ± 2.4 years; 77% female; 93% first-generation college students), 59% experienced food insecurity and 33% used their campus’ BNC in the past month. Living off-campus (not residing with family) was associated with more frequent BNC use across all groups. Living on-campus and reporting food insecurity were associated with BNC use for undocumented students and U.S. citizens with lawfully present parents. Family economic insecurity and use of other campus resources were associated with BNC use for undocumented students and U.S. citizens with undocumented parents. Social exclusion and threat to family due to exclusionary immigration policy were also associated with more frequent BNC use among U.S. citizen students with undocumented parents. Results highlight that common food insecurity risk factors are associated with BNC use while also underlining how Latino immigration-impacted students experience distinct social, economic, and legal factors that are associated with more frequent BNC use.