A Modern Form of Segregation: The Impact of Higher Education Bans on Undocumented Students in the South

Abstract

Higher education access for undocumented immigrants looks vastly different across the United States. In the South, there are three states that actively ban undocumented students from higher education access, including Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina. While there is a lot of research regarding previous state and federal policies, general experiences of undocumented students in education, and racial exclusion and segregation, there is limited research regarding the impact of bans on undocumented students. This study aims to share the experiences of undocumented students and individuals in the South that have navigated the higher education bans. Research was conducted through seven qualitative interviews with undocumented individuals over eighteen years of age that currently reside or grew up in Georgia, Alabama, or South Carolina. Findings reveal that (1) the bans are a modern form of segregation (2) education is incredibly meaningful for undocumented students and they pursue alternative methods in order to obtain access (3) undocumented students face a lot of uncertainty and hopelessness in their journey leading to thoughts about “self-deportation”/voluntary departure (4) community is incredibly important in their journey, and (5) many hold advocacy and leadership roles that have developed their issue awareness, agency, voice, and power, ultimately leading to transformative community impact. This study concludes by providing policy recommendations to address the barriers and challenges that undocumented students face on their educational journey in the South.