ABSTRACT
Most undocumented students cannot muster enough strength to continue their educational ambitions. The barriers are too high, and the struggles too severe. The testimonies of the fortunate few undocumented individuals who were able to legalize their status provides a glimpse of the life-changing impact of legalization. Immigrant students and their supporters have mounted campaigns to educate the public, pressure school administrators, lobby legislators, and challenge discriminatory laws. A statewide strategy to mobilize support for the bill laid the foundation for a broad coalition between undocumented students and immigrant advocates that included high school teachers, labor representatives, and public officials to ensure a successful passage of the bill. The justification for criminalizing the actions of undocumented immigrants is based on a notion of preserving our borders, our sovereignty, and our resources. Dehumanization allows the public to ignore the faces of undocumented immigrants.
