Testimonio: The Experiences of an Undocumented Student in California Post-DACA Rescindment

After Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA, 2012) was rescinded by the Trump Administration in 2017, many students were left in “limbo legality” (Gonzalez 2012) This study addresses the question, “What are the experiences of undocumented students regarding their academic motivation toward graduation now that DACA has been rescinded at San José State University (SJSU)?” Grounded in a Chicana Feminist Epistemology approach, the methodology of testimonio is used to capture the experiences of the author alongside an undocumented graduate student. Findings suggest that college campuses should incorporate faculty knowledgeable in policies that affect undocumented students, Undocumented Ally trainings in college campuses, and campus support groups specifically for undocumented students.