{"id":201157,"date":"2018-07-23T13:37:25","date_gmt":"2018-07-23T17:37:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/?p=201157"},"modified":"2023-07-11T13:51:24","modified_gmt":"2023-07-11T17:51:24","slug":"issue-brief-the-impact-of-undocumented-status-on-childrens-learning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/2018\/07\/issue-brief-the-impact-of-undocumented-status-on-childrens-learning\/","title":{"rendered":"Issue Brief: The Impact of Undocumented Status on Children\u2019s Learning"},"content":{"rendered":"

Editor\u2019s Note:<\/strong>\u00a0Chelsea Connery \u201913 (ED), \u201914 MA, a former public school teacher and now a Neag School doctoral student in the\u00a0<\/i>Learning, Leadership, and Education Policy program<\/a><\/em>, prepared the following\u00a0issue brief<\/a>\u00a0\u2014 in affiliation with\u00a0<\/i>the\u00a0<\/i>Center for Education Policy Analysis<\/a>\u00a0(CEPA) \u2014 about the impact of undocum<\/em>ented status on children\u2019s learning, as well as the implications for schools.\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n

In recent decades, U.S. immigration policy has restricted access and pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants,[i]<\/sup>\u00a0those individuals who live in a country without legal authorization to do so. These individuals are not United States citizens, do not hold current permanent resident visas, and have not been granted admission under rules for longer-term residence and work permits.[ii]\u00a0<\/sup>Many exist in a state of \u201climinal legality\u201d[iii]\u00a0<\/sup>with ambiguous documentation. In a context of contentious and shifting immigration policy, undocumented children and families face unique challenges that can affect their schooling experience and require the attention and care of educators.<\/p>\n

In recent decades, U.S. immigration policy has restricted access and pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants,[i]<\/sup>\u00a0those individuals who live in a country without legal authorization to do so. These individuals are not United States citizens, do not hold current permanent resident visas, and have not been granted admission under rules for longer-term residence and work permits.[ii]\u00a0<\/sup>Many exist in a state of \u201climinal legality\u201d[iii]\u00a0<\/sup>with ambiguous documentation. In a context of contentious and shifting immigration policy, undocumented children and familiesface unique challenges that can affect their schooling experience and require the attention and care of educators.<\/p>\n

In a context of contentious and shifting immigration policy, undocumented children and families face unique challenges that can affect their schooling experience and require the attention and care of educators.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

This brief addresses issues that are relevant for schools and districts enrolling undocumented immigrants who arrive in the U.S. as young children, those who come as teenagers or young adults, and those children who are documented with undocumented family members. The purpose of this brief is to explore (1) social, emotional, and mental health impacts of immigrant and undocumented status, (2) the ramifications of these impacts on learning, and (3) their implications for schools.<\/p>\n

The Context: Immigration Policy and K-12 Students<\/strong><\/h2>\n

K-12 immigrant students are extremely vulnerable to changes in immigration policy. President Obama initiated the immigration policy known as the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) in 2012. DACA provided undocumented immigrants who entered the U.S. at a young age a two-year renewable deferment from deportation and eligibility to work and pursue higher education.[iv]<\/sup>\u00a0DACA-granted individuals could apply for social security numbers, driver licenses, and bank accounts, thus facilitating their mobility and integration into the U.S.[v]\u00a0<\/sup>While DACA was not ideal policy,[vi]\u00a0<\/sup>for many undocumented immigrant students it created a brighter future, with more freedom and independence.[vii]<\/sup><\/p>\n

Changing policy direction, the Trump administration repealed DACA in 2017. The DACA repeal, without concurrent immigration reform and coupled with increased immigration enforcement, has heightened widespread fear.[viii]\u00a0<\/sup>The anti-immigrant rhetoric of the Trump administration and the repeal of DACA have caused stress, anxiety, and tension for students and their families.[ix]\u00a0<\/sup>If reflected in the school environment, political tensions can be detrimental to immigrant students, whose social and academic potential greatly relies on a hospitable, discrimination-free school environment.[x]\u00a0<\/sup><\/p>\n

\"Sarah
The Center for Education Policy Analysis (CEPA) hosts a speaker series during the academic year. As part of its 2017 Speaker Series, CEPA brought Sarah Turner, professor of economic at the University of Virginia, to campus to speak on measuring opportunity in U.S. higher education. (Photo Credit: Lucie Turkel\/Neag School)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Demographic research shows that Connecticut is home to a sizeable number of undocumented immigrants. As of September 2017, 11,000 undocumented individuals in the state met DACA criteria and 3,800 were DACA recipients. However, there are approximately 120,000 total undocumented individuals in the state[xi]\u00a0<\/sup>and approximately 32,810 of these individuals are children under the age of 17.[xii]<\/sup>\u00a0The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that states cannot deny undocumented children a free public education.[xiii]\u00a0<\/sup>Thus, there are roughly 12,000 students between the ages of 3 and 24 enrolled in public school.[xiv]\u00a0<\/sup>Furthermore, 5.5 percent of K-12 students have at least one undocumented immigrant parent and 40,931 Connecticut children are U.S. citizens living with at least one undocumented family member.[xv]\u00a0<\/sup>These numbers suggest that Connecticut educators ought to be informed about the needs of undocumented students in today\u2019s schools.<\/p>\n

How Does Immigration and Undocumented Status Affect Learning?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The repeal of DACA, lack of action on comprehensive immigration reform legislation, and current anti-immigrant rhetoric are converging to create a particularly distressing environment for undocumented students and citizen students with undocumented family. These students\u2019 experiences can adversely affect their social, emotional, and mental well-being. In turn, these challenges can affect their ability to learn. Educators can better support these students if they understand the students\u2019 pre- and post-migration experiences, undocumented status, fear of deportation, and socioeconomic status.<\/p>\n

Pre- and Post-Migration Experiences<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Pre-migration experiences shape children\u2019s post-migration life. Motivation for migration and events prior to the immigration experience constitute risk factors for immigrant youth.[xvi]<\/sup>\u00a0For example, a study of recent immigrant school children (8-15 years old) revealed that exposure to pre-immigration violence was prevalent and positively associated with post-traumatic stress disorder and depressive symptoms.[xvii]\u00a0<\/sup>Undocumented students may also experience psychological stress exacerbated by the entry experience, a process that has become more dangerous due to increased border surveillance[xviii]<\/sup>and the separation of families at the border.[xix]\u00a0<\/sup>In addition, acculturative stress, which stems from challenges associated with adjusting to life in the U.S., affects psychological well-being.<\/p>\n

Stressors faced by immigrant students can drain their coping capacities and leave them vulnerable to academic failure.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Post-migration experiences can also induce stress. Studies find a positive association between acculturative stress and low self-esteem, depression, and greater suicidal alienation.[xx]\u00a0<\/sup>Additionally, the psychological burden of being stigmatized and vilified by media and the broader society manifests in the daily experiences, perceptions, and actions of undocumented immigrants thus putting them at greater risk for low self-esteem, guilt, shame, fear, and insecurity.[xii]<\/sup>Regular experiences of perceived discrimination can cause psychological distress, major depression, and generalized anxiety.[xxii]<\/sup><\/p>\n

Stressors faced by immigrant students can drain their coping capacities and leave them vulnerable to academic failure. Acculturative stress and perceived discrimination (measured as experiences of prejudiced behaviors or observations of discrimination toward others in the school setting) are significant contributors to academic problems.[xxiii]\u00a0<\/sup>Anti-immigrant climate, xenophobia, and discrimination also exacerbate acculturative stress.[xxiv]\u00a0<\/sup>In addition to these experiences, students\u2019 legal status also influences the post-migration acculturative experience for students and their families.<\/p>\n

Undocumented Status<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Legal status shapes the lives of immigrant youth in myriad ways. Socio-legal factors, include immigration laws, affect immigrant integration and mobility,[xxv]<\/sup>\u00a0identity, sense of belonging,[xxvi]\u00a0<\/sup>and health.[xxvii]<\/sup>\u00a0 For undocumented students, these social and legal factors can affect access to education, health insurance, and public programs such as food stamps; family dynamics; and relationships with other social institutions.[xxviii]\u00a0<\/sup>Even if youth themselves are citizens, their undocumented guardians may not entirely understand their child\u2019s eligibility and\/or fear that seeking help puts them at risk for deportation.[xxix]\u00a0<\/sup>Immigration laws and policies are commonly portrayed as necessary to restrict undocumented immigration yet research demonstrates this form of deterrence is largely ineffectual, particularly given that individuals crossing the border are often refugees.[xxx]\u00a0<\/sup>Ultimately, immigration laws and policies often result in acute fear of deportation and a life of perpetual anxiety for undocumented immigrants.[xxxi]<\/sup><\/p>\n

Fear of Deportation
\n<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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More than 40,931 Connecticut children are U.S. citizens living with at least one undocumented family member. (Thinkstock Photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Undocumented youth face uncertainty, fear, and stress, leading to psychological issues including depression, anxiety and an increased risk of suicide.[xxxii]<\/sup>\u00a0Fear of deportation negatively shapes self-image and positively predicts stress.[xxxiii]\u00a0<\/sup>Extended exposure to stress, especially during childhood and adolescence, is known to create long-standing consequences (e.g. decreased cognitive performance, short term and working memory, and impulse control) due to structural and functional changes in individuals\u2019 capacity to deal with and react to stress.[xxiv]<\/sup><\/p>\n

Due to various circumstances, many immigrant families are composed of individuals with diverse immigration status \u2014 \u201cmixed-status\u201d families.[xxxv]\u00a0<\/sup>Older siblings may be undocumented, whereas younger siblings may hold U.S. citizenship. An aunt or an uncle may have obtained legal residency, while a parent may be in the process of filing for papers.[xxxvi]\u00a0<\/sup>Citizen youth in mixed status families can suffer from the stresses associated with documentation status.[xxxvii]\u00a0<\/sup>Thus, even DACA recipients encountered hardships related to the blocked pathway to legalization of their families. Over the last several years, enforcement efforts have increased levels of anxiety in immigrant communities and families. A survey of DACA recipients indicate that 49 percent worry \u201call the time\u201d or \u201cmost of the time\u201d that friends and family members will be deported.[xxxviii]<\/sup><\/p>\n

Even in the absence of actual deportation, worries about its possibility may affect children\u2019s development by increasing their anxiety and influencing their ability to concentrate in school.[xxxix]\u00a0<\/sup>Childhood mental health or behavioral problems such as depression negatively influence academic performance as measured by standardized tests. Some studies have also consistently shown the negative impact of childhood and adolescent anxiety on academic performance.[xl]\u00a0<\/sup>Mental health and behavioral problems also increase the likelihood of dropping out of high school and not attending college.[xli]<\/sup><\/p>\n

Parental Detention and Deportation<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Parent-child separations due to detainment or deportation pose serious risks to children\u2019s immediate safety, economic security, well-being, and longer-term development.[xlii]<\/sup>\u00a0These considerations are particularly relevant given the Trump administration\u2019s introduction of a \u201czero-tolerance\u201d policy calling for the criminal prosecution of all individuals \u2014 including asylum seekers \u2014 who cross the border between checkpoints which has had the effect of systematically separating parents from their children when they enter the country together because parents are referred for criminal prosecution.[xliii]\u00a0<\/sup>Separated children may be released to sponsors but are first held in shelters or juvenile detention centers, and release to sponsor is not guaranteed.[xliv]\u00a0<\/sup>This \u201czero-tolerance\u201d policy was not ended by the most recent executive order \u2013 instead it detains children with their parents, instead of separating them, while their legal cases are considered. \u00a0\u00a0
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

More than 5 percent of K-12 students have at least one undocumented immigrant parent, and 40,931 Connecticut children are U.S. citizens living with at least one undocumented family member.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

For children who experience traumas, parents and caregivers provide critical protection, helping children regulate their emotions and reestablish a sense of safety which affects their stress-response system and their growth, health, and well-being. When children are unnecessarily and traumatically removed from parents or guardians their physical and mental health and well-being suffers.[xlv]\u00a0<\/sup>A study on the consequences of parental arrest, detention, and deportation on children revealed that about two-thirds of children experienced changes in eating and sleeping habits. More than a third of children were more anxious, withdrawn, clingy, angry, or aggressive. Most children experienced four or more of these behavioral changes. Younger children experienced greater difficulties eating and sleeping, excessive crying, and clinging to family and parents upon their release[xlvi]<\/sup>, while aggressive and withdrawn behavior was more common among older children.[xlvii]\u00a0<\/sup>Another study found that after the arrest or detention of their parents, children experienced feelings of abandonment and showed symptoms of emotional trauma, psychological duress, and mental health issues.[xlviii]\u00a0<\/sup>However, due to fear of possible consequences in asking for assistance, and barriers to accessing services, few affected immigrants sought mental health care for themselves or their children.[xlix]<\/sup><\/p>\n

Trauma, like that described above, has a significant impact on cognitive development and academic outcomes. Children with four or more \u201cadverse childhood experiences\u201d are 32 times more likely to be labeled with a learning or behavior problem than a child with no adverse childhood experiences.[l]\u00a0<\/sup>Furthermore, youth with mental health problems and deficits in social emotional competence have difficulty learning.[li]<\/sup><\/p>\n

Socioeconomic Status<\/strong><\/h2>\n

All of these stressors are amplified by the fact that undocumented students tend to come from families with modest incomes. Nearly 40 percent of undocumented children live below the federal poverty level (compared with 17 percent of native-born children).[lii]<\/sup>\u00a0Across many studies, poverty is associated with a range of negative outcomes for children\u2019s physical health, language and cognitive development, academic achievement, and educational attainment as well as mental, emotional, and behavioral health.[liii]<\/sup>\u00a0Furthermore, the effects of poverty are cumulative; consequences at one stage in a child\u2019s development can hinder development at a later stage.[liv]<\/sup><\/p>\n

Children of immigrants are at higher risk of cognitive and language developmental issues as well as lower academic performance.[lv]<\/sup>\u00a0Children of undocumented parents, in particular, are at a disadvantage in school readiness compared to children of authorized individuals.[lvi]<\/sup>\u00a0Research demonstrates that undocumented status has a harmful influence on children\u2019s cognitive skills as early as at 2 and 3 years of age.[lvii]<\/sup>\u00a0This influence is attributed to increased parental economic hardship and psychological distress combined with lower availability of social support and lower levels of information about public resources that could help children\u2019s cognitive development.[lviii]<\/sup>\u00a0The undocumented status of families can directly and indirectly cut off access from vital public programs such as early childhood education that can improve cognitive and behavioral development of immigrant children.[lix]<\/sup>\u00a0These circumstances were also associated with lower academic achievement in middle childhood.[lx]<\/sup><\/p>\n

Promoting Positive Outcomes: Recommendations<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Despite these students\u2019 challenging circumstances, research suggests how schools can promote positive outcomes among undocumented students.
\n<\/strong>\"center<\/p>\n

Environment<\/em><\/h3>\n

Studies have consistently shown that a safe, welcoming, and supportive schooling environment can help immigrant students overcome difficulties at school, in the community, and within the family.[lxi]<\/sup>\u00a0These studies suggest that school must be a positive place, where immigrant students\u2014whether foreign- or U.S.- born, documented or undocumented\u2014feel a strong sense of belonging and encouragement to move forward in the future.[lxii]<\/sup>\u00a0Thus, I recommend that districts or schools:
\n<\/em><\/p>\n