Applying Guiding Principles to Resist Erasure of Immigrant Community College Students in an Ever-Changing Climate Through a Critical Theory of Love

• Published in: Journal of applied research in the community college Vol. 26; no. 2; pp. 1 - 10
• Main Authors: Witenstein, Matthew A., Niese, Marianne
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: San Diego Montezuma Publishing 01.12.2019
• Subjects: Citizenship; Classrooms; Climate change; College campuses; College students; Community College Students; Community Colleges; Critical theory; Critical Theory Of Love; Guiding Principles; Higher education; IMMIGRANT STUDENTS; Immigrants; Immigration policy; Learning; Noncitizens; Professional development; Social justice; Students; United States > US
• ISSN: 1068-610X

This practice brief addresses the critical need for supporting immigrant students on community college campuses. While nearly one-quarter of college students are first- and second-generation Americans, there is a major gap in both research literature and in practice on this topic. The purpose of this practice brief is to provide fluid guiding principles for administrators, faculty, and student affairs educators to best support immigrant students. The guiding principles outlined are: (a) defining/ refining spaces and services; (b) institutional agents' roles; and (c) professional development. These guiding principles from the brief are rooted in a critical theory of love, which promotes rehumanizing factors, dignity, and justice because immigrant students often encounter challenges in these areas. Links to participatory practices are also made to undergird the principles. Finally, we offer steps moving forward in order to facilitate institutional- and individual-level agency utilizing the guiding principles.