1. HIDDEN FROM SIGHT THE REALITIES OF GROWING UP IN AMERICA IN AN UNDOCUMENTED FAMILY

2.  AS OF 2011, THERE ARE AN ESTIMATED 11.9 MILLION UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS RESIDING IN THE US (PEW FOUNDATION)  APPROXIMATELY 1.8 MILLION ARE CHILDREN THE SCOPE OF THE PROBLEM

3.  They face constant risk of deportation and separation from family members  They cannot legally work in the US and many thus seek documentation fraudulently  Ironically, this enables them to pay taxes and into social security, from which they won’t benefit PROBLEMS EXPERIENCED BY UNDOCUMENTED PERSONS

4.  They tend to live in overcrowded dwellings that may be unsafe  Many are victimized by “coyotes” who maltreat and exploit them during border crossings  The majority are impoverished with limited education and job skills PROBLEMS (CON’T)

5.  6 out of 10 undocumented individuals lack health insurance vs. 25% of legal immigrants and 14% of US born  They tend to work in traditionally difficult/dangerous occupations and suffer disproportionately high rates of injuries and disease HEALTH ISSUES

6.  Undocumented persons are especially vulnerable to depression and anxiety for several reasons:  Failure to succeed in country of origin  Restricted mobility  Limited financial resources  Marginalization, isolation  Fear/stress of deportation EMOTIONAL RISKS

7. Live with the fear of their parents’ deportation Suffer greater than average rates of parental substance abuse, domestic abuse, violence and sexual abuse than US-born children Because English is their second language, educational success is more elusive Undocumented Minors

8.  Despite obstacles, every year 65% graduate from US public high schools  However, only 5% go on to attend college, lacking access to federal aid or in-state tuition Minors (con’t.)

9.  Several efforts since 2001 to pass The DREAM Act, the Development, Relief and Education of Alien Minors Act, have failed  This act would provide a path to citizenship for undocumented minors who meet specific residency length requirements by allowing them to join the military or receive a college education THE DREAM ACT

10.  In 2012 PRESIDENT OBAMA ANNOUNCED A TWO- YEAR DEFERRAL FROM DEPORTATION AND ABILITY TO APPLY FOR WORK PERMITS FOR:  PERSONS YOUNGER THAN 30  WHO ENTERED THE US PRIOR TO AGE 16  POSED NO CRIMINAL OR SECURITY THREAT  WERE SUCCESSFUL ACADEMICALLY OR HAD SERVED IN THE MILITARY PRESIDENTIAL STOPGAP MEASURE