Access to higher education for undocumented students: “Outlaws” of social justice, equity, and equality

Abstract

The marginalization of undocumented students in accessing higher education— as evidenced by the absence of social justice, equity, and equality—has created an underground movement that is based in feminist and critical race theory descriptions of “outlaw culture.” This framework encapsulates the phenomenon of outlaw culture within the confines of systemic barriers, whereby those in positions closest to the front lines of service and access to higher education may become “outlaws” in bending, breaking, or circumventing the rules and regulations that perpetuate inequity and inequality and inhibit a socially just process for undocumented students. Implications regarding policy and practices to address socially just, equitable, and equal processes for access to higher education for undocumented students are presented for future consideration.