Chapter 8: The Mental Health of Undergraduate Undocumented/Dacamented Latino Males

Undocumented/DACA college students are considered a hidden population in the academy but comprise almost a half a million of enrollment. Despite their presence, access to higher education remains inequitable. While these students are highly resilient, they are historically marginalized and encounter a plethora of barriers to college completion to include financial concerns, unjust experiences, and mental health challenges. The latter can be even more compelling for undocumented/DACAmented Latino males.

First, in this chapter, we differentiate key terminology surrounding citizenship, immigration, and undocumented statuses and define criteria for DACA eligibility. After providing a current picture of undocumented/

DACA students in higher education, key legislation and legal precedents surrounding access are highlighted. The final portion of the chapter centers on challenges for this population in college and implications for higher education practice and leadership.