WHEREAS, Undocumented students and students from mixed-status families face significant barriers in accessing higher education, including financial, legal, and institutional challenges, and with approximately 2.1 million students attending California Community Colleges, 92,000 (4.3%) identifying as undocumented, it becomes evident that tailored support is essential [1];
WHEREAS, Many community colleges lack a Dream Resource Program, Dream Center, or the expertise to support undocumented students effectively, considering that out of the 116 Community Colleges in California, only about 35 (30.1%) have a Dream Resource Center or program, 19 (16.3%) have a dedicated coordinator, and 69 (59.4%) do not have a dedicated center at all, leaving many full-time employees handling undocumented student needs in addition to other job responsibilities, making adequate case management difficult [2];
WHEREAS, The California Community Colleges Dreamers Project identified two primary challenges—the need for increased staff dedicated solely to serving undocumented students and the absence of a physical space providing a safe, supportive environment with culturally competent staff—highlighting the necessity of faculty and staff awareness in fostering an inclusive environment Immigrants Rising (Undocumented Students Support E-Handbook 2025) [8]; and
WHEREAS, Research shows that students are more likely to succeed in institutions where faculty and staff are trained to understand the challenges faced by undocumented students [4]; Now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges advocate for a requirement that all California Community Colleges to assign a liaison similar to the requirement for high schools in AB 278 (Reyes, 2023)[6] to each community college but also require them to create a program and dedicated physical space for undocumented students so that they feel safe and welcome and to protect their safety and promote the success of all undocumented students;
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges advocate for legislation that provides that the Dream Resource Program and physical space is properly staffed with core personnel that is trained and knowledgeable in servicing the undocumented student population; the core staff to consist of a Dream Resource Liaison similar to (AB 278, Reyes, 2023) which would oversee the program and initiatives, an assistant liaison for administrative tasks and student engagement, and an academic counselor to create tailored education plans to ensure the success of the Dream Resource Centers and its core staff can continue providing these services enough funding needs to be available;
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges advocate for legislation that establishes the appointment of designated liaisons across key departments, within a college such as Admissions, Academic Counseling, Career Services, Financial Aid Office, and residency Office as these efforts are essential in increasing awareness, clarifying policy and procedure, reducing misinformation, and empowering and encouraging undocumented students to be successful accordingly within the Master Plan for Education [7]; and
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges advocate for legislation that establishes the Implementation of an Annual UndocuAlly Training, ensuring that faculty and staff at all California Community Colleges undergo mandatory annual UndocuAlly training to foster a campus culture that is welcoming and supportive of undocumented students, recognizing that policies regarding undocumented students are constantly changing and that it is of utmost importance for all staff and faculty at community colleges to stay up to date with these policies and changes in order to better support undocumented students on their campuses and ensure their academic success.
Citations:
[1] Higher Ed Immigration Portal. “Undocumented Students in Higher Education.” (2023).
[2] California Student Aid Commission. “California Dream Act and State Financial Aid.” (2023).
[3] The Campaign for College Opportunity. “State of Higher Education for Latinx & Undocumented Students.” (2023).
[4] Immigrants Rising. “Best Practices for Supporting Undocumented Students.” (2023).
[5] California Community Colleges. “Dreamers Project Report.” (2019).
[6] California Legislative Information. “Assembly Bill No.278 Chapter 424.” (2023).
[7] The California Master Plan for Higher Education. “The California Promise.”
[8] California Community Colleges. “Undocumented Students Support E-Handbook.” (2025).