Undocumented Asian Students Speak Out
source: http://news.newamericamedia.org/news/view_article.html?article_id=419d6c300fa5f2539dd21b7d2f...
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- goldenways
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Stephanie, 22, has had to take several quarters off of school to earn money for her education at UCLA. She has been a housekeeper, transcribed for writers and even made cardboard boxes.
"If I were to sit down and write a resume, it would be impressive in terms of how lengthy it would be," said Stephanie in an interview with the Pacific Citizen, proudly wearing her UCLA shirt. "Right now is probably the only time when I've had just one job."
Stephanie is an undocumented immigrant, making her ineligible for financial aid and unable to apply for most jobs. For her, the future is uncertain.
Brought to the United States from the Philippines before turning four years old, Stephanie is one of the many undocumented Asian Pacific Islander immigrants who discovered late in life that she has no options for legalizing her status.
Although about 40 percent of undocumented undergraduate students are Asian, according to an annual report by the University of California's Office of the President, the API community is not as open about the immigration issue as the Latino community.
"When you have the Asian students, there is a sense of secrecy and shame." said Stephanie, who asked the Pacific Citizen to only use her first name because of potential risk to her employment.
Stephanie and UCLA graduate Tam Tran have spoken out about their experiences as undocumented college students, seeking to raise awareness of the issue and gather support for legislation that will offer them a pathway to legalization.
**continues,click link to read**
"If I were to sit down and write a resume, it would be impressive in terms of how lengthy it would be," said Stephanie in an interview with the Pacific Citizen, proudly wearing her UCLA shirt. "Right now is probably the only time when I've had just one job."
Stephanie is an undocumented immigrant, making her ineligible for financial aid and unable to apply for most jobs. For her, the future is uncertain.
Brought to the United States from the Philippines before turning four years old, Stephanie is one of the many undocumented Asian Pacific Islander immigrants who discovered late in life that she has no options for legalizing her status.
Although about 40 percent of undocumented undergraduate students are Asian, according to an annual report by the University of California's Office of the President, the API community is not as open about the immigration issue as the Latino community.
"When you have the Asian students, there is a sense of secrecy and shame." said Stephanie, who asked the Pacific Citizen to only use her first name because of potential risk to her employment.
Stephanie and UCLA graduate Tam Tran have spoken out about their experiences as undocumented college students, seeking to raise awareness of the issue and gather support for legislation that will offer them a pathway to legalization.
**continues,click link to read**
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- tags:
- US, California, Immigration, Youth, 1 more
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alisachka
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I spent my first year in college without legal documents, it is quite expensive. I spent all of the $14 thousand i saved up in high school and found one private loan with a variable rate. Thankfully my green card finally went through by my sophomore year. Now im left with $40 thousand loan with rate of 12% that is constantly growing.
- 3 years ago
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alisachka
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gentjim
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the system is week,at best
- 3 years ago
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gentjim
