Since Donald Trump’s presidency began, many undocumented immigrants, especially students, have found themselves navigating an increasingly uncertain future. With the introduction of controversial executive orders, nationwide ICE raids, and proposed changes to birthright citizenship, life for immigrants has become fraught with fear and confusion. One major target has been the push to limit diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in educational institutions, putting undocumented students at risk of losing crucial support.

The Role of DEI Programs

Diversity, equity, and inclusion programs are crucial in supporting marginalized communities, including the Latine population, in higher education. DEI initiatives promote a welcoming environment for students from diverse backgrounds, offering cultural and academic support, especially to first-generation students or those who may struggle to navigate predominantly white campuses. For undocumented students, these programs are more than just a resource—they’re often a lifeline.

However, under Trump’s administration, many DEI programs have been threatened with cuts, as the administration has directed that federal funding be withheld from universities with such programs. Institutions with significant Latine populations, like Texas A&M University, Florida International University, and the University of North Texas, have already started scaling back their DEI initiatives out of fear of losing federal funds.

The Mental Health Toll

The political climate under Trump has had a profound impact on the mental health of undocumented students. According to licensed therapist Natalie Rosado, anxiety, depression, and uncertainty have become all too common among immigrant students, especially those in the DACA program. These students fear deportation, family separation, and a future filled with obstacles. The emotional toll is often visible in their academic struggles, as stress and fear undermine their ability to concentrate and perform well in school.

Rosado notes that these mental health issues extend beyond the individual, affecting entire families and communities with mixed immigration statuses. Undocumented students are not only contending with the daily uncertainty of their legal status, but they’re also forced to cope with the psychological burden of living in a hostile political environment.

Undocumented Students Speak Out

Valentina’s Story
Valentina, a Venezuelan student at UCLA, was just three years old when her family moved to the United States due to the political unrest in Venezuela. Although she has grown up in the U.S., it wasn’t until college that she realized how much her undocumented status limited her opportunities. Unable to apply for scholarships, financial aid, or government grants, Valentina faced significant obstacles in pursuing her education. Despite this, she managed to graduate from a state school without incurring debt and is now studying media communications.

The current political climate has left her feeling anxious, especially as she navigates the DACA renewal process. She worries about her future, from securing internships to finding work after graduation, given the uncertainty surrounding immigration policies. For Valentina, the future feels increasingly unstable, and the anxiety of not knowing what to expect next weighs heavily on her.

Gigi’s Story
Gigi, a Mexican student at Lamar University, shared her experience of uncertainty during Trump’s presidency. Having come to the U.S. in 1999, she initially studied psychology at the University of North Texas. However, Trump’s decision to end DACA disrupted her plans to study abroad and caused her to miss opportunities that could have advanced her education. Gigi now faces even greater challenges as the current administration’s attacks on immigration intensify. She lives in constant fear of ICE raids and is unsure where she will be able to find work after graduation.

Despite these challenges, Gigi is determined to continue pursuing her education and speaking out about the realities faced by undocumented immigrants. She uses her social media platforms to educate others and break down misconceptions about undocumented people. Her goal is to show that undocumented immigrants are human beings with dreams and aspirations, just like anyone else.

Juan’s Story
Juan, originally from the Dominican Republic, has been in the U.S. for nearly 30 years. He recalls how the first Trump administration affected his ability to complete his education, as he had to drop out of college to support his family. Despite being a DACA recipient, Juan remains concerned about the current administration’s aggressive stance on immigration. He has been staying informed and ensuring his paperwork is up to date, but the uncertainty surrounding immigration laws still looms large.

Juan emphasizes the importance of education, both for himself and his community. He sees education as the key to overcoming the misinformation and division that immigration policies have created. For Juan, staying educated and informing others is the best way to fight back against the fear and uncertainty.

Conclusion: The Path Forward

Undocumented students like Valentina, Gigi, and Juan are just a few examples of how the political climate under Trump’s administration has affected the lives and education of immigrants. These students face an uncertain future, but their resilience and determination to continue pursuing their dreams shine through despite the overwhelming challenges. As we move forward, it’s crucial that we continue to support policies that protect and empower immigrant communities, ensuring that they have access to the opportunities they deserve to build a better future for themselves and their families.