5 Ways to Support Undocumented and First Gen Youth

You can be a safe resource during an uncertain time for immigrant youth and their families.

Girls Write Now provides mentorship and resources for young women and gender expansive youth across the U.S. regardless of their immigration status. We believe that young leaders need a strong community to help them thrive. As part of our Collaboratory, Girls Write Now mentors attended a professional development session led by First Gen Empower that gave them tools and resources for supporting undocumented and first gen youth. Here are 5 takeaways, plus a list of resources that can help young immigrants feel empowered and cared for:

Please note that this information is being shared for informational purposes only, and this does not constitute legal advice.

1. Establish Safety

When working with undocumented or first generation youth, let them know that any discussion of their or their family’s status will remain confidential. Avoid storing sensitive personal information, and seek permission before sharing with others.

2. Educate Yourself

Did you know that under Plyer v. DOE, all students, regardless of immigration status, can enroll in K-12 schools? Look up your state’s laws and provisions regarding educational and occupational opportunities for immigrants. This can help you direct youth to different resources.

3. Don’t Assume

Some young people may not know their immigration status.

When talking about college or job opportunities, offer broad tips that apply to everyone regardless of status.

For example, you can find scholarships that do not have a citizenship requirement below.

4. Know Your Rights

If anyone claiming to be law enforcement or immigration enforcement asks you for information about someone, do not share information or engage further.

Find and share well-researched “Know Your Rights” resources to prepare others for these encounters.

5. Come Together

Offer to connect undocumented and first gen youth to affinity groups and communities that make them feel like they belong (like Girls Write Now!).

Work with other adults and people they know well to provide resources when needed.

More Resources

Free Legal Intake

• ImmigrationLawHelp
• National Immigration Legal Services Directory
• Getting Legal Help

Know Your Rights Resources

• ILRC Red Cards
• Know Your Rights Training Videos
• Dos and Don’ts of Police Stops
• NIJC’s Guide on Court Proceedings
• Your loved one just got detained by ICE
• First 24 Hours After Detainement

Free Mental Health Resources

• Mental Health Connector
• Wellness Support Groups
• Girls Write Now runs peer-led Affinity Groups for enrolled mentees during each Cycle, which may also be accessed in the Portal.

Undocumented-Friendly Opportunities

• Thrive Scholars
• Aliento
• Immigrants Rising List of Scholarships and Fellowships
• UCLA Dream Summer
• Poderosas
• DREAM.US Scholarships
• Find more scholarships and fellowships, many of which are open to young people regardless of immigration status, in the Girls Write Now Portal.

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