Defense Date

2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Education

First Advisor

Maike Philipsen

Second Advisor

Hillary Parkhouse

Third Advisor

Bill Muth

Fourth Advisor

Lisa Webb

Abstract

This research study sought to deepen the understanding of the journeys of undocumented and DACAmented college students in an era of escalated xenophobia and political unrest. Three noteworthy themes emerged from the sentiments expressed by participants. The experiences they described included: 1) the turmoil of undocumented status eliciting unique and empowering demonstrations of resourcefulness, creativity, and self-advocacy, 2) motivation and stress from their respective citizenship statuses existing as two mutually dependent facets of a unified whole, 3) a community of support from other undocumented and/or DACAmented peers as a necessity for wellbeing. These critical outcomes culminate in the conditioning to reframe and re-envision rights instead as privileges, thus developing an emergent branch from the theory of dominant narratives. This subsidiary is known as dominant narrative conditioning, a lens from which individuals are unwillingly compelled to believe one’s oppressed circumstances exist as advantages or privileges rather than rights solely due to the perception/existence of greater hardships. The result of such conditioning creates a dead-end crossroads for both individuals seeking documented citizenship, particularly in the face of xenophobic, anti-immigrant antagonists. The findings from this research study underscore the imperative for additional investigation into the experiences of undocumented and DACAmented students as its results potentially impact a multitude of relevant educational and political landscapes. Further examinations can bolster counternarratives to influence and support the inevitably changing demographics of our shared nation and global community.

Keywords: undocumented students, DACA, college experiences, xenophobia, political tensions

Rights

© The Author

Is Part Of

VCU University Archives

Is Part Of

VCU Theses and Dissertations

Date of Submission

5-5-2024

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