Young and Undocumented: Discovery of the Immigration Status

• Do you ever wonder who are the young and undocumented living in the United States?

• What are the economic, personal, and/or political reasons that forced their parents to leave their native countries and migrate to the U.S.? 

This presentation, based on the book Young and Undocumented: Political Belonging in Uncertain Times (New York University Press, 2025), examines the experiences of the children of immigrants who arrive in the U.S. and grow up not knowing of their undocumented status and the many risks it poses. 

Albarracín-Green explores the lives and experiences of undocumented immigrant youth, specifically those of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients. She shows how undocumented youth in the U.S. navigate their identity and sense of belonging in the only country they've ever known as home. Drawing on firsthand interviews, Albarracin-Green delves into the devastating impacts of the undocumented status on the youth's psychological well-being and the opportunities that are available to them.

This presentation aligns with the Illinois America 250 Commission's theme “We the People.” This theme invites us to explore ideas of who has been included and who has been left out of the nation’s promise, as well as how people from all backgrounds have shaped and reshaped what it means to be part of “the people.” The Illinois America 250 Commission's goals are to uplift local stories, places, and programs; build pride; and showcase how Illinois brings the ideals of the Declaration of Independence to life.