Undocumented students and their allies discussed ways to cope with unique health issues facing undocumented students at the Dare to Dream Conference held on May 10, as part of AB 540 Awareness Week. 

Unique challenges these students face include lack of financial support and access to a supportive community, according to Jose Arreola from the San Francisco nonprofit Educators for Fair Consideration.

Undocumented students face an “enormous emotional burden” stemming from the fear of being caught and deported. In turn, undocumented students and their families experience the conditioned anxiety disorder known as complex traumatic stress disorder.

The disorder is brought about from constantly reliving trauma, where deportation is equated to the death of a loved one, Arreola said.

For students living with the disorder, life is a day to day struggle. Studies conducted found that the best ways to cope include sleeping a full eight hours, eating nutritious food and exercise. 

Additionally, part of the healing process involves revealing your status to others and not hiding it. “Don’t tell the world,” Arreola said. “But make it a part of your public life.” 

Anaruth Hernandez, 23, political science and anthropology major, a founding member of the Integral Movement for AB 540 Student Success Club commented that the event is helping her and others to “take a look in our community.”

The passing of AB 540 gave undocumented students resident status allowing them to apply for state funds for higher education if they meet the requirements of attending a California high school for at least three years and having a high school diploma.