Laura Enriquez

Examines how the immigration status of Latinx students and their family members affects their experiences at the University of California. Introduces the concept of "family legal vulnerability" to describe how undocumented and mixed-status families face shared challenges like deportability, economic instability, and legal uncertainty, which deeply impact students' mental health, academics, and civic engagement. 

Examines how deportability affects undocumented 1.5 generation young adults in California, arguing that deportability is not a constant fear but one that arises in specific situations, and is less intense when individuals are in "protective" social and physical environments that reduce exposure to immigration enforcement.

Takes stock of the experiences of undocumented college students attending California’s two public university systems: the California State University and the University of California. Illustrates how undocumented immigration status disrupts college students’ educational experiences and wellbeing and offers specific steps that educational institutions can take to combat persisting inequalities and forge pathways toward equity and inclusion.

Examines why undocumented college students at the University of California underuse mental health services despite having access. Findings reveal that students often normalize their stress due to immigration status, see treatment as ineffective for immigration-related issues, and fear stigma.