Understanding Federal Immigration Directives and the Impacts of Undocumented Students in Higher Education (Non-CE)

Overview

Do you work with immigrant, refugee, and undocumented young people and families in the community? Access to higher education is a critical pathway to opportunity, stability, and success, but shifting federal policies can create uncertainty and barriers for students and their families. Come and stay informed on the latest federal immigration directives and their impact on college access, financial aid, and student support systems.

This session is specifically tailored for our Social Work profession. Staying informed of the latest federal immigrant directives will help young people and families make informed decisions about their futures, access the resources they need, and pursue their educational goals with confidence. This session will equip you with the knowledge to empower those you serve.  

Objectives

1. Define undocumented status and define three related immigration statuses
2. Understand the opportunities and barriers to undocumented students in Illinois higher education
   
3. Learn about the impact of current federal directives on undocumented individuals in Illinois
   

Registration and CE Information

• Register here for the Non-CE version.
• Please see the CE version if you need CEs
• The live webinar will be held March 26, 2025, from 12:00pm - 1:00pm
• Once registered, you will be able to access the course site to complete the Zoom registration to receive the link for the webinar.

Presenter: Danny Meléndez

Danny Meléndez was born and raised in Carora, a small town known for its dry climate in western Venezuela. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Teaching English as a Foreign Language, reflecting his passion for both teaching and language. His intellectual curiosity led him to pursue further studies, earning a Master of Arts in Spanish Linguistics. Currently, he is completing a PhD in Spanish Linguistics at the University of Illinois. His research interests include bilingualism, first and second language acquisition, and psycholinguistics, with a particular focus on the development and ultimate attainment of Spanish morphosyntax among Spanish speakers in the United States. In his free time, Danny enjoys lifting weights, biking, listening to reguetón, and helping others achieve their full potential.

Presenter: Ross Wantland

Ross Wantland is the Director of Curriculum Development and Education and Interim Director of Campus Culture and Climate in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. In this role, he helps coordinate Undocumented Support Services and expand resources for undocumented students. Ross is a farm-raised social justice and violence prevention educator, who received his Master of Education in Educational Policy Studies and Bachelor in Psychology with a minor in Women’s Studies, all at the University of Illinois. Ross lives in Champaign with his incredible partner, musical teen, and pandemic garden.