Undocumented Students and Access
To Higher Education in America
Juan M. Galvan
Liberty University

Abstract
This paper exposes the urgency to implement an immigration reform that would eliminate educational and occupational barriers to millions of undocumented students that want to pursue a postsecondary education. The information in this research examines the impact undocumented students may have in society and the economy of this country. There are thousands of undocumented students that graduate high school every year and have no opportunities to pursue a higher education degree, thus increasing the chances of poverty in this country, increase in unemployment and a serious negative shift in the economy. Given the increase role
Every year, about 65,000 undocumented students graduate from high school nationwide.” (Abrego, Gonzalez, 2010) These undocumented students have a dream to become someone and live the American dream, just what their parents were looking for when they came to this country. These young young men and women have limitations to accomplish a better life and be productive citizens. As per the United States Supreme Court it was decided in “Plyler v. Doe” case that states should provide tuition free public education to children of illegal aliens in the grounds that education plays an important role in the political and cultural heritage of this country. “Undocumented youth are allowed to attend elementary, middle, and high school in the state to which they have immigrated due to the Supreme Court decision. However, once these students graduate from high school they face tremendous obstacles.” (Lizcano, 2011) After high school graduation they encounter educational policies that limit their vision to acquire a postsecondary education, not to mention the occupational barriers and lack of opportunities other U.S students don’t have once they transition out of high school. “Without any resources to obtain a postsecondary education and legally participate in adult life, these young men and women are a vulnerable population at risk for poverty and hardship.” (Abrego, Gonzalez, 2010)