By Matthew Odam, Communications Manager, National College Attainment Network (NCAN)
As the National College Attainment Network (NCAN) has extensively covered, undocumented students in the United States continue to face increasingly daunting challenges accessing and attaining a postsecondary education. A session at NCAN’s 2025 National Conference in New Orleans, LA, explored career pathways and advocacy strategies for this vulnerable population many of our members serve.
In the packed room (a clear indication of the timeliness of the topic), presenters Nicole Wesley, Senior Program Manager at TheDream.US, and Ann Schnuer, Senior Director of Career Success at 10,000 Degrees, began by setting the tone for their presentation. “Regardless of status, any student is deserving of the opportunity to access a college education,” said Wesley.
The session highlighted both the current policy landscape and practical strategies institutions and organizations can use to support undocumented students. According to data shared in the presentation, approximately 98,000 undocumented students graduate from US high schools each year, with more than 427,000 enrolled in colleges across the country. The diversity of this community spans Latino/a, Black, Asian/Pacific Islander, and European backgrounds, but regardless of origin, these students face systemic barriers to pursuing higher education and meaningful careers.
Navigating Shifting Policy Terrain
Wesley and Schnuer underscored that the legal and political environment for undocumented students is changing rapidly. While Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) remains in legal limbo, recent rulings allow current recipients to renew but bar new applications. Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is also in flux, with terminations announced in 2025 for several countries, including Nepal, Afghanistan, and Venezuela. Meanwhile, states like Florida and Texas have repealed in-state tuition for undocumented students, creating new financial barriers.
Career Pathways Beyond Work Authorization
Despite these challenges, presenters emphasized that undocumented students have multiple ways to build careers and income streams. Strategies include:
- Independent contracting and freelancing using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
- Entrepreneurship and worker cooperatives, with resources available through Immigrants Rising and TheDream.US.
- Non-employment-based opportunities (NEBOs) such as fellowships and micro-internships that provide stipends and skills-building without requiring work authorization.
TheDream.US’s Opportunities Directory and Career Connections hub, along with 10,000 Degrees’ entrepreneurship resources, were highlighted as practical tools for both students and advisors.
Building a Culture of Support
Institutional culture matters as much as policy. The presenters urged campuses and organizations to:
- Create task forces to monitor evolving policies and share resources.
- Develop and train staff on protocols for supporting undocumented students, including preparing for possible interactions with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
- Partner with pro bono legal organizations to connect students with immigration attorneys.
- Center students’ long-term career development, reinforcing the importance of degree completion and inclusive opportunities.
Taking Action
The session closed with a call to action: stay connected with immigrant rights organizations, follow policy updates, and create inclusive programs that open doors for undocumented students. For more resources, visit TheDream.US and 10,000 Degrees.
Dislcaimer: Information provided in this article is not legal advice.
