Undocumented Students Toolkit

Dear Students and Advocates,

First and foremost, it’s important to be intentional about this letter and speak to you not just as the President for the Student Senate for California Community Colleges, but as someone who truly understands what it means to be from an undocumented and/or mixed-status background because I myself come from that and I understand what it feels like to carry uncertainty about your future while trying to pursue your education.

As a first-generation undocumented student, it means having to navigate this system on your own, learning as you go and figuring it out without a roadmap and carrying responsibilities and burdens that many people don’t always see. I came to the realization of my status when I was a junior in high school and what it meant for my future. I remember feeling a sense of uncertainty and being pessimistic about my future. By the time I found out about DACA, it was already too late for me to apply and felt like a door was closing leading to me questioning whether college was even an option for me. 

Fortunately, there was a teacher who believed in me and encouraged me to at least try to explore college as a possibility. That made all the difference and eventually, I applied to Reedley College and I still remember how overwhelming that application was. Filing for the CA Dream Act Application was even harder and the language was complicated, but like many of you, I grew up translating documents for my family and the application was completed. 

Even though I was motivated, I was constantly worried about how I would afford all of it, but thankfully, my tuition was covered through my application and I got into the EOP&S program which helped me cover my textbooks and connected me with people that cared about my academic success. As I navigated community college, I understood that these challenges weren’t just personal in fact, they were common for many of us. Financial barriers, lack of clear information and fear of asking for help would continue to have an impact on students like myself if nothing changed. 

That was my reason for getting involved in my local student government, where I served in various leadership positions and gained insight into how colleges operate, how decisions are made, and how resources are distributed. The more I learned, the more intrigued and committed I became. That growing passion eventually led me to join the Student Senate for California Community Colleges, where over the past three years I have witnessed meaningful growth in resource accessibility and institutional awareness for undocumented and mixed-status students compared to when I first began my community college journey. While there is still work to be done, I have seen firsthand that progress is not only necessary, but possible.

It can be exhausting to constantly advocate for yourself in different spaces. It feels like you’re always explaining yourself and fighting to be seen and heard, but there’s power in leaving a legacy of change, and you don't always have to join a student government to make an impact. Advocacy looks different for everyone. It can be mentoring a fellow student, sharing resources, speaking up and engaging in difficult but necessary conversations, and holding not only your college administration accountable, but also your student government responsible for ensuring that undocumented students are genuinely considered, supported, and represented.

Being first-generation and undocumented comes with many highs and lows, and I’ve experienced both moments of confidence and doubt and each moment was important for shaping my character and my resilience. I eventually transferred to Fresno State, where I continue my education with a stronger understanding of how higher education works. I know how to ask questions, advocate for myself, and carry the lessons I learned in community college because there is still much work to be done.

To the advocates reading this: please continue to create safe, informed, and compassionate spaces for undocumented and mixed-status students. Understand that some students may hesitate to ask for help because they’re used to handling everything on their own, and not only offer support but also walk alongside them throughout their journey.

To my fellow students: I see you and understand the weight on your shoulders, but I also see your strength and resilience that you've built navigating systems that weren’t designed for us, and I want you to know that you belong in these spaces, your goals are valid and your presence here truly matters. 

We may all have different stories, but we share courage and that courage will continue to open doors even the ones we once thought were closed.

In Service,

Jerry Reyes
President, Student Senate for California Community Colleges