The Journal of College and University Student Housing - Volume 43, No. 3 - 97

Supporting Undocumented Students in Campus Housing

have living-learning communities and student
organizations that provide support for undocumented students specifically.
Another challenge is that undocumented
students who live in college housing face a
more frequent dilemma of disclosing their immigration status with roommates and peers
due to the higher rate of social encounters they

further impact their transition to the campus
community by distancing them from creating
meaningful relationships with community
members due to fear. Undocumented students
who live on campus may be at a higher risk
for experiencing nativism by their roommates,
resident advisors, or staff. Housing staff's lack
of understanding and knowledge of ways to
address insensitive comments and promote
inclusivity may deepen the marginalization felt
by undocumented students.

The ability to be present and

Challenges in Finding Support On-Campus

engaged while also feeling

As previously stated, many students who are
undocumented come from families where
their parents, siblings, or extended family are
also undocumented. In many of these families,
undocumented students contribute financially,
emotionally, and navigationally (Gildersleeve
& Ranero, 2010). As for these students, "[s]
uccess is never wholly an independent endeavor" (Enriquez, 2011 p. 478). If students living
on campus are not in close proximity to their
family or community, they may feel that they
need to ensure they are providing adequate
support in other ways, which may prevent
them from engaging in residence life activities or communities. Students may feel guilty
for perceiving their want to live on campus as
selfish. The ability to be present and engaged
while also feeling responsible for what occurs
at home is an added pressure and stress that
can impact the success of these students.

responsible for what occurs at
home is added pressure and stress
that can impact the success of
these students.

may be exposed to while living on-campus. For
example, this can happen when a peer may
notice and question why an undocumented
student may use a passport from another
country rather than a state-issued license or
identification card. Undocumented students
seek and require specific social opportunities
similar to their peers; however, their immigration status can sometimes position them in
a fearful multilayer of contexts that can be a
barrier to interacting with peers and authority figures (Gildersleeve et. al., 2010). Given
that some undocumented students may be
coming to terms with their immigration status
as well as exploring intersecting identities,
such as gender or sexual orientation, this can

For undocumented students, family plays
an important role in their success. When
family needs are met first, academic achievement improves (Gildersleeve et. al., 2010).
Alleviating issues and burdens that arise with
family circumstances can help undocumented
students engage more meaningfully. The onV O L U M E 4 3 , NO. 3 * 2 0 1 7

The Journal of College and University Student Housing - Volume 43, No. 3

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Journal of College and University Student Housing - Volume 43, No. 3