California DREAMers: Activism, identity, and empowerment among undocumented college students.

Abstract

There is a large gap in college access and success for undocumented students. This emergent population remains uniquely and precariously situated within campus environments, despite the passage of Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Acts in some states. These inequities have sparked activism for DREAMers associated with the undocumented youth movement. Using data from interviews of 16 undocumented students at a selective California research institution, this study explores the ways in which DREAMers constructed an empowered undocumented identity through activism. Constructivist grounded theory was used as a frame to guide data interpretation and analysis with the aim of uncovering invisible societal processes and power dynamics affecting this population. Three categories were saturated: coming to activism, pushing for existence, and inscribing power. These categories reveal the way in which DREAMers derive power through their activism, sustain that activism despite oppressive societal conditions, and embrace tenets reflective of global social justice. Implications for institutions and policymakers that support success for this student population are drawn.

An examination of ethnic identity as a mediator of the effects of community participation and neighborhood sense of community on psychological empowerment among urban youth of color

“…No longer are such groups of young people willing to sit on the periphery of society as political and social changes are made that directly affect their well‐being, their livelihood, and their status as U.S. citizens (Forenza, Roger, & Lardier, ). Most importantly, these young people, and youth like them, have a strong sense of their ethnic group and cultural identity, which works as a process toward unity and collective engagement and identity (DeAngelo, Schuster, & Stebleton, ). Most scholarship misses this reality, deeming young people incapable of such broad‐based change (Christens & Speer, ).…”

For us, by us: Exploring constructions of student activism and university support

“…The literature also consistently pointed to the construction of identity through engagement with specific activist movements. DeAngelo, Schuster, and Stebleton (2016) discussed the identity construction of undocumented students involved with DREAM Act activism. They suggested that students developed a better understanding of self through engagement in activist work associated with a social identity.…”

Undocumented Students and Strategic Enrollment Management: Guidance and Considerations for Finance, Policy, and Inclusive Practice

“…Indeed, students themselves are sometimes an overlooked group of allies. In that vein, it is essential that the SEM office recognize that undocumented students’ social activism is a way to harness their leadership abilities and pursue self‐empowerment. In fact, research has shown that student activism can lead not only to better outcomes, but to enhanced concern for social justice overall (Chen & Rhoads, ; DeAngelo, Schuster, & Stebleton, ; Munoz & Escalante, ). Remain mindful when facing contradictions within the institution. SEM offices, like any other part of higher education, are made up of people.…”