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University of San Diego

Resistencia Indocumentada: Exploring The Lived Experiences Of Higher Education Undocumented Students In The San Diego-Tijuana Border Region

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

<p>Undocumented students face myriad obstacles while attending higher education institutions that would deter them from completing their academic journeys. Furthermore, they are placed with a dual narrative that labels them as either dangerous or exceptional. This study explored the lived experiences of undocumented students in college in the San Diego-Tijuana border region to consider what factors have led to resilience and resistance in their academic journey. By understanding these factors, the research aimed to tackle the dual narrative that burdens undocumented students from the illegality as a master status they possess.</p> <p>This study used narrative inquiry and a literature review as a research methodology. The literature identified four themes, known as commonalities, found in previous research studies about undocumented college experiences. These commonalities (Illegality as a Master Status, Academic Threat, Academic Support, and Belonging) bring forth educational practices that have either deterred or promoted success in undergraduate undocumented students. An undocumented critical theory lens is used to dispel the perceived binary narrative of undocumented lives and gives voice to undocumented students.</p> <p>Narrative inquiry as a research methodology was used to create an environment of reflection, politicization, and transformation to identify recurring themes. Findings suggested undocumented college students in the San Diego-Tijuana region benefit from the various forms of academic and professional support, but undocumented student experiences indicated there is still further need for socioemotional support and institutions should move from undocumented student enrolling to undocumented student serving.</p>

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
PhD Education for Social Justice
Level thesis:degree_level
Dissertation: Open Access
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Learning and Teaching
Year dc:date.available
2023

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Escobedo Sanchez, Adan

Subjects

dc:subject × 28

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Repository record dc:identifier
https://digital.sandiego.edu/dissertations/978
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:digital.sandiego.edu:dissertations-1986

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
University of San Diego
Base URL
digital.sandiego.edu/do/oai/
Last updated
2026-07-24
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Escobedo Sanchez, Adan. Resistencia Indocumentada: Exploring The Lived Experiences Of Higher Education Undocumented Students In The San Diego-Tijuana Border Region. Dissertation: Open Access thesis, 2023. https://digital.sandiego.edu/dissertations/978