This article demonstrates how students encounter significant structural barriers that prevent them from regularly and adequately meeting their food and housing needs. Under certain circumstances, other issues such as transportation and legal services can also rise to the level of a basic need. Moreover, students often consider their needs in relation to their families. Taken together, these findings encourage us to think of basic needs in ways that are interconnected, relational, and dynamic.

Citation: Valdivia, Carolina, Isabel Patten, Josefina Espino, and Danielle Puretz. 2026. “Deepening Our Understanding of Basic Needs Through the Lens of Undocumented College Students.” Journal of Latinos & Education. DOI: 10.1080/15348431.2026.2658679

This brief focuses on the unique challenges this segment of the student population faces with food and housing insecurity. It is based on 106 in-depth interviews with undocumented college students and those in mixed-status families. We conclude with recommendations for institutions of higher education.

Citation: Monreal, Angie B. and Carolina Valdivia. 2026. Understanding Food & Housing Insecurity among Undocumented College Students. Irvine, CA: UndocuBasic Needs Project. 

This brief focuses on the experiences of undocumented college students, with special attention on their mental health and well-being. It is based on 106 in-depth interviews with undocumented college students and those in mixed-status families. We conclude with recommendations for institutions of higher education.

Citation: Jimenez, Evelyn and Carolina Valdivia. 2026. Mental Health Realities Faced by Undocumented College Students. Irvine, CA: UndocuBasic Needs Project. 

This brief focuses on the work of higher education professional supporting undocumented students. It is based on 52 in-depth interviews with staff members who work directly with undocumented students. We discuss the implementation and process of creative solutions, including the factors that facilitate or hinder progress.

Citation: Patten, Isabel and Carolina Valdivia. 2026. How Higher Education Professionals Navigate Law and Support Undocumented Students’ Success. Irvine, CA: UndocuBasic Needs Project. 

This report features findings from 106 in-depth interviews with undocumented college students, and those in mixed-status families, across the country. The goal is to raise awareness about students’ pressing needs in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, uncertainty surrounding DACA, and heightened enforcement practices, as well as to make recommendations as to how schools can best support this segment of the student population.

Citation: Valdivia, Carolina. 2024. “Broadening the Definition of Undocumented College Students’ Basic Needs.” Irvine, CA: UndocuBasic Needs Project.

This brief examines the set of challenges that undocumented college students, and those in mixed-status families encounter. This includes issues around the disclosure of immigration status, heightened fear and anxiety, and barriers in accessing services and resources. This brief offers recommendations for college personnel to create supportive environments that address the academic and emotional needs of undocumented and mixed-status students, ultimately aiming to enhance their educational experiences and outcomes.

Citation: Valdivia, Carolina and Josefina Espino. 2024. “Understanding and Addressing the Needs of Undocumented Students & Those in Mixed-Status Families in Higher Education.” Immigration Initiative at Harvard.