IL Road Scholar: Young and Undocumented: Discovery of the Immigration Status

Professor Julia Albarracín-Green examines the experiences of the children of immigrants who arrive in the U.S. and grow up not knowing of their undocumented status and the many risks that poses. Albarracín-Green also wrote about this topic in her book Young and Undocumented: Political Belonging in Uncertain Times (New York University Press, 2025).

This presentation explores the lives and experiences of undocumented immigrant youth, specifically those of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients. Hear how undocumented youth in the U.S. navigate their identity and sense of belonging in the only country they've ever known as home. Drawing on firsthand interviews, Albarracín-Green delves into the devastating impacts of the undocumented status on the youth's psychological well-being and the opportunities that are available to them.

Illinois Humanities is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the Illinois General Assembly [through the Illinois Arts Council], as well as by contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations.