In this episode, Dr. Perez shares insights from his personal journey as an immigrant from El Salvador and discusses the pivotal role of the 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act in shaping the lives of many immigrants, including his own family. We delve into California's AB540 model, which provides in-state tuition for undocumented students, while also addressing the challenges faced by deported students in both the United States and Mexico. Our conversation highlights the significance of the Higher Ed Immigration Portal as a vital resource for understanding and championing the rights of immigrant students. We underscore the necessity of recognizing and leveraging the contributions of immigrant communities to foster a more equitable and inclusive educational landscape.

Takeaways:

• The 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act provided a pathway to legal status for many undocumented immigrants.
• California's AB540 law allows undocumented students to access in-state tuition rates at public colleges.
• Deported students face unique challenges in both the U.S. and their countries of origin, often lacking support systems.
• The Higher Ed Immigration Portal serves as a vital resource for understanding immigration issues in higher education.