For Educators and Allies: How to Support Dreamer Students

(1) Maintain respect.

Being undocumented is an immense burden and psychological stress factor – an undocumented individual and their family are at constant risk of being expelled from their home country. Being undocumented means not having access to many state or federal resources that everybody else may take for granted. Be mindful of your questions and keep in mind that asking about one’s immigration status can be very intrusive and threatening.

(2) Inform yourself.

There are many ways to learn about the challenges that undocumented students face on and off campus – you can look through our web-based resources to learn more, attend an Undocupeers training, or ask a student who has been open to you about their immigration status.

(3) Recognize the barriers to education.

Only 5-10% of undocumented youth ever enroll in college – in comparison, the overall percentage of students enrolling in college in the fall immediately after high school was nearly 70% in 2014 (NCES, 2015). In part, this is because no federal or state financial aid or loans are available for undocumented students in Colorado, and even private loans are almost impossible to obtain. You can be an effective ally to undocumented students by openly addressing the need to make higher education equally accessible for all.

(4) Show your support.

A simple sign in your office – such as the one available on this page – can show an undocumented student that they are in a safe space. Also, when reviewing on- and off-campus support programs and organizations, be sure to include groups and events that serve the specific needs of undocumented individuals. (Look through this page for a sample of such organizations.)

The Department of Homeland Security and Immigration & Customs Enforcement frequently conduct raids – with or without clear justification – that put communities at risk, spread fear, and disrupt families. The best response if you believe you might be witnessing a raid is to notify and work with the Colorado Rapid Response Network.

Call the Colorado Rapid Response Network 1-844-864-8341 (1-844-UNITE-41) to report any immigration enforcement activity or someone who has been detained.

This document outlines options for students to withdraw from courses, or switch modes of instruction, in the case that they, or a caregiver/guardian/immediate family member, face detention or otherwise are impacted by immigration enforcement to the point that they cannot successfully complete their studies, attend classes, or visit campus. These situations are relatively rare, and the options outlined here have been in place for many years to provide options to students who face unforeseen situations that significantly and negatively impact their ability to successfully complete coursework.

Please note that the various options listed below are available to students on a case-by-case basis. Students or supporting faculty/staff are encouraged to reach out to one of these relevant areas of staff members to learn more about options and procedures, and to discuss which option(s) is most helpful in support of the student.  

Student Care Center Contact: 303-615-0006, [email protected]  

Office of the Registrar Contact: 303-556-3991, [email protected]  

Office of the Bursar Contact: 303-615-0070, [email protected]   

Immigrant Services Program Contact: 303-615-0035, [email protected] 

MSU Denver maintains a robust donation network that provides funding for scholarships, social and cultural programming, and direct aid such as DACA renewal or emergency grants. All of those donation options can be accessed here:

https://www.msudenver.edu/giving

This professional learning experience (originally developed and brought to our campus by United We Dream, a national organization that supports undocumented youth) is designed to empower learners with the necessary knowledge, empathy, resources, and best practices for creating an inclusive campus environment for Undocumented students. Participants will learn about the unique barriers undocumented students navigate, explore best practices for providing academic, career, and emotional support, and develop strategies to advocate for institutional policies that promote access and belonging. By creating a safe, inclusive, and liberating campus climate, educators can empower Undocumented students to pursue their academic and career goals without fear, or unnecessary obstacles, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive. Learners will meet the following course objectives after completing the course:

Course Objectives

1. Describe the current legal and policy landscape affecting DACA recipients and Undocumented community members at both the state (Colorado) and national levels.
2. Identify and access trusted internal and external resources to support the academic, financial, and personal well-being of Undocumented and DACA students.
3. Recognize and appreciate the unique experiences, challenges, and strengths that Undocumented and DACA students, their families, and communities contribute to the Auraria campus.
4. Implement best practices to foster an inclusive, supportive, and empowering environment for Undocumented and DACA students in higher education.