With futures uncertain, undocumented Latinos continue to push for college degrees with the help of mentors, nonprofits

This article has been updated to correctly identify the highest level of education Latinos in California have obtained, per Latino Data Hub

A school counselor once told California State Assembly Member Blanca Rubio, a Democrat from Baldwin Park, not to bother going to college because she would only get pregnant.

“If I had allowed that counselor to decide that for me, I would’ve had no opportunities. Their expectations of Latinas then were to get married, have children and be at home,” Rubio said from her office in the California State Capitol. “The opportunities for us were not given, they were taken. I had to fight for everything I have now.” 

Rubio, a previously undocumented immigrant from Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, has earned an associate of arts degree, a bachelor’s degree in business and a master’s degree in education — and now works at the California State Assembly. Rubio defied stereotypes imposed on Latinos, who are the largest minority group in California. Rubio hopes her story will inspire a new generation of young Latinos wanting to make their mark in the world.

Latino youth make up more than half of public school attendance in California. Still, they have lower graduation rates and lower test scores and are more segregated compared to their classmates, according to EdSource. Only 26 percent of Latinos in the state have attended some college or received an associate’s degree — with 15 percent having a bachelor’s degree or higher — but 93 percent participate in the labor force, according to the Latino Data Hub.

Every year, about 98,000 undocumented students graduate from high school across the country. Only 10 percent or less enroll in postsecondary institutions, according to data from TheDream.US, a nationwide college and career success program for undocumented immigrant youth that operates in more than 20 states.

The Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy temporarily delays deportation for some undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children. But its impact is waning. According to an analysis by the nonprofit FWD.US, only one-fifth of last year’s undocumented graduating high school class were eligible for these protections. By 2025, no undocumented youth will be eligible for the program because it requires people to have been in the United States since 2007.

Still, Latinos of all statuses are expected to continue being a large labor force in the country and community leaders say access to education and mentors could elevate them to governmental, entrepreneurship or leadership positions.

“I pride myself in engaging with young women, mentoring them and telling them that there’s so much more,” Rubio said. “I’m amazing. I’m fabulous in my own right, but I want them to be 10 times better.”

The inspiration can also come from across the border. After Mexico elected its first woman president in early June, the Consulate of Mexico in Sacramento saw a spike from 40 to 223 applicants for its $2,000 Cien Amigos scholarship. 

Maria Esther Bolio, the Consul for Community and Cultural Affairs, attributes this increase to young Latinos recognizing that they can succeed through education.

The high volume of new applications may be due to parents participating and encouraging their children to pursue a college education. 

“Family is very important,” Bolio said. “They are the ones that are very interested, they want their children to continue with their studies.” 

What support and resources are available for Latino families?

Family involvement is the leading motto of the Parent Institute for Quality Education (PIQE). This nonprofit organization – based in California and 14 other states – informs Latino parents about opportunities for their children to access higher education and overcome their hardships. 

Olivia Orreola, a previous participant of PIQE, wanted to spread this information and joined the project as an instructor. Orreolas’ daughter graduated from California State University with $16,000 in scholarships. 

“People think the obstacle is money, but that’s not true. In reality, when taking these classes, I realized that the only obstacle is yourself and that’s what I’ve passed on to my children,” Orreola said in Spanish.

Immigrant parents may not have the resources or support to get their children through college or even know what questions to ask to become informed. This is one of the most common issues impacting the community.

About 5.4 million Latino students lack access to equitable education, according to statistics from Latinos for Education. 

Rubio, who was a school teacher for sixteen years, noted the importance of parent involvement in children’s education and Latinos’ growth toward their goals. She said people should be ready for the future of Latinos and what they will accomplish. 

“People can do whatever it is that they want, regardless of immigration status or socioeconomic status,” Rubio said. “We’re here, this is the best country in the world. And if we don’t take advantage of it, why did we come here?”