 | This learning module is part 1 of Charting New Paths: Understanding and Support for Migrant and Undocumented Youth. |
Level Setting
Throughout this toolkit, we consider the experiences of all young people who have migrated, regardless of documentation. Not every migrant is granted access to pathways for immigration relief and may live as an undocumented immigrant for an undetermined amount of time. And not every migrant is undocumented; we acknowledge migration may be a combination of choice and force. This content is prepared with three underlying assumptions:
No human being is illegal, this includes young people.
Dehumanization is a major red flag for us. We strongly question actions that are rooted in chipping away people's personhood and dignity. Calling a person illegal or an illegal alien dismisses root causes of migration and actively dehumanizes. Actions can be illegal, but not people.
There are no simple solutions to complex problems.
The ebbs and flows of migration into (and out of) the United States are topics of ongoing research and discussion. The deeply layered nature of this discussion is wrapped in political, economic, and social crises.
Migrant youth are not a problem to be solved.
There is a crucial need to coordinate meaningful support responding to the unique experiences of migrant youth within an environment full of multidecade and multifaceted crises.
We will be centering these assumptions and invite you to come along as we consider strategies and resources to provide, improve, and/or maintain services and relationships with migrant youth. If you cannot hold these underlying assumptions, you are more than welcome to explore this toolkit! And this might not be the best place to start - consider exploring our past Building Community toolkits like Wellness Together: Cultivating Community and Mental Health, Partnering with Youth and Young Adults to Transform Mental Health Narratives, and more here.
On Language
This toolkit centers young people who are undocumented with an unapologetic affirmation of their dignity and personhood. Mindful of longstanding historical narratives, we use different terms aware that the best way to describe someone is how they describe themselves.
Commonly Used Terms
- Illegal, alien, or illegal alien: a term often used by government agencies and political organizations to talk about foreign born people who migrate into the United States illegally. A person-centered alternative is undocumented immigrant.
- Undocumented: the status of a migrant or immigrant without legal documentation.
- Migrant: There are many different definitions for migrant. For this document, we understand migrants as an individual who is living outside of their country of origin.
- Immigrant: a person who moves to a country and plans to stay permanently
- Unaccompanied minors: Youth under age 18 who come to the U.S. without an accompanying parent or guardian. The term “unaccompanied” in this context refers to their immigration status.
- DREAMer/DREAM Act: The Development Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act or DREAM Act is not an act since it has never been passed into law. Still, this bill allowed for a conversation centering Dreamers, undocumented children, and youth who have no pathway to legal residence or citizenship.
- DACA: The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals or DACA program is a limited (and controversial) executive order deferring action of deportation of undocumented immigrants who arrived as minors. While it does not grant a pathway to legal residence or citizenship, DACA recipients are protected from deportation and are granted work authorization in 2-year permits.
- TPS: Temporary Protected Status provides temporary immigration status to individuals living in certain countries facing armed conflict, natural disasters, or other extraordinary conditions.
- ELL/ELD: English Language Learner/English Language Development, terms often assigned to newcomer students within education and school-based settings
- SIJ: Special Immigrant Juvenile Status helps certain undocumented youth obtain legal immigration status. Look at pages 4-9 of this introduction and overview.
- LPR: Legal Permanent Resident
- Refugees: People who have fled their home country due to fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion and are not in the U.S. while they are going through the initial immigration process.
- Asylees: Refugees who are in the U.S. when going through the initial immigration process.
- Parolees: People who receive temporary legal status to enter the U.S. due to urgent humanitarian or significant public benefit reasons. Typically, they are not eligible for the same kinds of services as a refugee.
Explore
Authentic connection with others depends on active efforts to carve out and co-create safe spaces. As we keep building community with those around us, it's essential to check our willingness and biases to create space with others. As you continue with this toolkit, consider blocking out 15 minutes to (a) reflect and write out your thoughts and/or (b) discuss with members of your team:
- How has your organization considered the experiences and needs of migrant and undocumented youth in your community? Have you considered the potential impact of organizational practices or policies on undocumented youth?
- Do you have or know where to find critical resources such as housing, legal fees, and culturally specific programming to support youth who are undocumented? Which external connections, partnerships, or networks of support that specifically cater to undocumented youth are accessible locally?
- If this is a new conversation in your organization, who can provide meaningful insight to better understand the experiences of migrant youth and families, and how much organizational willingness and capacity is there to build community alongside them?
