Americans by heart : undocumented Latino students and the promise of higher education / William Pérez.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Pérez, William, 1974-

Series:

Multicultural education series (New York, N.Y.)

Multicultural education series

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Hispanic Americans--Education (Higher).

Hispanic Americans.

Hispanic Americans--Education (Higher)--Social aspects.

Hispanic Americans--Social conditions.

Noncitizens--Education (Higher)--United States.

Noncitizens.

Education, Higher.

Social aspects.

United States.

Physical Description:

xiv, 191 pages ; 23 cm.

Place of Publication:

New York : Teachers College Press, [2012]

Summary:

Americans by Heart examines the plight of undocumented Latino students as they navigate the educational and legal tightrope presented by their immigrant status. Many of these students are accepted to attend some of the best US colleges and universities but cannot afford the tuition to do so because they are not eligible for financial aid or employment. For the few that defy the odds and manage to graduate, their status continues to present insurmountable barriers to employment. This timely and compelling account brings to light the hard work and perseverance of these students and their families; their commitment to education and civic participation; and their deep sense of uncertainty and marginality. Offering a rich in-depth analysis, the author presents a new framework for educational policies that recognizes the merit and potential of undocumented Latino students and links their situation to larger social and policy issues of immigration reform and higher education access.

Contents:

1 Exceptional Students, Marginal Lives 1

Undocumented Immigrants 3

Undocumented Children and Young Adults 5

The Study 12

Organization of the Book 21

2 Growing up American and Undocumented 22

Socioeconomic Characteristics of Undocumented Families 22

Social and Educational Constraints 24

Social and Psychological Resources 31

Conclusion 41

3 Academic Engagement 43

Academic Resilience 43

Academic Engagement 51

Extracurricular Activities 56

Conclusion 64

4 Civic Engagement 67

Factors That Shape Civic Engagement 68

Undocumented Student Activism 79

Conclusion 95

5 The Primary Gateway to Higher Education 97

The Community College as Gateway and Gatekeeper 97

Undocumented Students at the Community College 101

Conclusion 110

6 Undocumented College Graduates and the Impact of Legal Status 112

Liminal Legality 112

Undocumented College Graduates 115

Legalization and Integration 119

Formerly Undocumented College Graduates 123

Conclusion 131

7 Conclusion 133

Overview of Main Findings 133

Immigrant Paradox 136

Next Steps 137

Final Thoughts 150.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 155-176) and index.

ISBN:

9780807752838

0807752835

9780807752845

0807752843

OCLC:

753637453