Mentors, Resiliency, and Ganas: Factors Influencing the Success of DACAmented, Undocumented, and Immigrant Students in Higher Education

Access to higher education for undocumented students is an important first step toward educational equity; successful graduation is the goal, and in between students encounter many challenges they must overcome. Emerging research has explored the psychological and emotional challenges undocumented students encounter in accessing higher education. Few studies have been devoted to factors facilitating success once admitted. This study uses semi-structured interviews with eight former or current undocumented students to examine barriers as well as factors that help them to overcome these barriers. The research considers factors such as the presence of mentors, institutional and community support, and individual resiliency. Interviewees suggest solutions to institutional barriers mitigating the negative effects of immigration status.