By Sara Balseca
Trinity Times Correspondent
When Trinity Washington University senior Maria Estevez’s family left El Salvador to escape poverty and gang violence, they entered the United States without authorization, understanding that life as undocumented immigrants would come with hardships.
They would have preferred to enter legally, she said, but like many unauthorized immigrants, they found the current legal framework nearly impossible to navigate. They knew, however, that the U.S. offered an abundance of low-wage jobs — positions often filled by the undocumented.
This difficult decision, Estevez said, gave them a chance to escape violence and poverty for a safer life in a country that values their labor but not their presence. “Maria Estevez” is a pseudonym used to protect the student’s identity.
Current immigration policies, she and others argue, put basic human rights at risk, creating significant barriers to health care and education for millions of immigrants. A 2024 report by the Migration Policy Institute found that undocumented immigrants in particular face systemic hurdles in accessing services many U.S. citizens take for granted.
Although the national political climate remains hostile toward immigration reform — particularly efforts to grant rights and resources to undocumented residents — Trinity Washington University leadership has long advocated for policies that would create legal pathways to entry and eventual citizenship for those already living and contributing in the U.S.
At Trinity, immigrant students and their families continue to pursue the American dream, even as they face restrictive laws and limited resources.
Trinity sophomore Vera Elizondo — not her real name — said being undocumented in the U.S. subjects her to indignities and abuse but also provides opportunities she wouldn’t have had in her home country.
“When applying to college, because of my undocumented status, the scholarships and opportunities available to me were far fewer than for my classmates,” Elizondo said.
Legal status is often a determining factor in eligibility for scholarships, financial aid and, in some cases, even college admission.
Beyond financial barriers, the language gap remains one of the first and most difficult challenges for immigrant students. Elizondo said many of her high school teachers offered little help learning English, which left her feeling isolated.
“The school made me feel less than the rest of my classmates,” she said.
While some argue that bilingual instruction across all schools is impractical, researchers like University of Georgia professor Linda Harklau have documented how insufficient English as a Second Language support exacerbates educational inequality for immigrant students.
Policy barriers further complicate access to higher education. A February 2024 study by the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate found that international and first-generation immigrant students make up just 5% of the total student population, despite their contributions to higher education, particularly in STEM fields. The study cited limited financial aid access and legal restrictions as key factors limiting enrollment and degree completion.
Discrimination adds another layer of difficulty.
Trinity sophomore Emily Jacobs — not her real name — reflected on her adjustment to life in the U.S. education system.
“I didn’t know you could be bullied because of your accent and the color of your skin until I came to this country,” she said.
Jacobs described being harassed by peers and stereotyped by teachers, which made her academic journey significantly harder.
Research from the Civil Rights Project at UCLA supports Jacobs’ experience. A 2023 study found that immigrant students frequently face discrimination based on their names, skin color, accents and perceived immigration status. Many also cited fear of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as a constant source of stress.
“When I applied to college, I wasn’t taken seriously compared to my U.S.-born classmates,” Estevez said. “It felt like my dreams didn’t matter.”
Although she eventually found support at Trinity, she said many other institutions offered little help for undocumented applicants.
Trinity Washington University has worked to close that gap. The university provides scholarships and financial aid specifically for undocumented students, including those with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, status. According to Trinity’s Office of Admissions, programs like TheDream.US Scholarship aim to level the playing field — a practice that remains uncommon among most U.S. universities.
Access to health care is another major concern.
“No nation nor policy should deny humans the right to health care,” said Omar Martinez, an associate professor at Temple University and co-author of a 2023 study on immigration policy and health outcomes. Martinez and his team found that undocumented immigrants often face chronic stress, fear of deportation and severely limited access to medical services.
Jacobs recalled a traumatic experience when she and her mother sought medical care.
“We were asked for our Social Security numbers and the reason why we were in this country,” she said.
Her mother, who needed urgent care, was instead treated with suspicion. Jacobs described it as one of the most terrifying experiences of her life.
Despite the fear and obstacles, a common theme emerged among the undocumented students interviewed by Trinity Times: frustration and hope.
Estevez, Jacobs and Elizondo all said that while immigrant communities continue to face systemic discrimination, change is both possible and necessary.
“We’re not criminals,” Jacobs said. “We’re students. We’re dreamers. And we’re here to make a difference.”
National debate remains polarized. Critics argue that public resources should be prioritized for citizens and legal residents. Immigrant rights advocates counter that access to education, health care and dignity are fundamental human rights.
Experts at the American Immigration Council urge lawmakers to recognize the contributions of immigrants — and the long-term costs of excluding them.
As Trinity and similar institutions push for equity and inclusion, students and advocates remain hopeful that the future holds more opportunities — not fewer — for all striving to achieve the American dream.