Becoming the “Mystical Unicorn”: Understanding the Racialized Illegality Experiences of Undocumented Asian College Students in California

Siyue Lena Wang

Undocumented Asian (undocuAsian) college students represent a growing yet overlooked and underserved population in immigration and education research. Despite their increasing presence, they are often rendered invisible by dominant narratives that frame undocumented students through racialized stereotypes, such as the "model minority." UndocuAsians face distinct challenges shaped by ethnicity, immigration pathways, and geopolitical histories, intersecting with racialized perceptions of illegality and systemic exclusion. These barriers complicate their navigation of higher education and deepen their marginalization within institutional contexts.This study examines the lived experiences of undocuAsian students in California through the conceptual framework of "becomingness," capturing the dynamic processes through which they negotiate undocumented status, racialized identities, and belonging. Drawing on multi-site critical ethnography and 100 in-depth interviews with 66 undocuAsian students, this research reveals how higher education institutions perpetuate invisibility while serving as critical spaces for resistance and belonging. UndocuAsians engage in strategic disclosure, collective advocacy, and community-building to challenge exclusionary structures and redefine citizenship through everyday resistance. By centering the agency, creativity, and resilience of undocuAsian students, this study challenges deficit-based narratives and highlights their strategies for cultivating joy, solidarity, and resistance. It contributes to immigration, race, and education scholarship by offering actionable insights for institutions to better support undocumented students. Ultimately, it calls for transformative policies to address intersectional barriers faced by diverse undocumented and underserved populations, advancing equity in higher education.

About Siyue Lena Wang

Siyue Lena Wang is a PhD candidate at UCLA School of Education and Information Studies. Her research examines how race and immigration influence the distinctive experiences of undocumented Asian (undocuAsian) students and the role of higher education institutions in shaping the complexity of their belongingness. Rooted in her experiences as an Asian immigrant woman, educator, and activist, Lena approaches her research with a commitment to community engagement, theoretical rigor, and methodological sensitivity. Specializing in Critical Race theories, migration studies, and critical/decolonial qualitative methodologies, Lena's multi-site critical ethnography examines the effects of immigration and institutional practices in shaping the contextualized, nuanced experiences of undocumented young adults, while uplifting undocuAsian young adults' everyday practice of resisting and thriving in higher education. Beyond academia, Lena has extensive experience collaborating with undocumented youth leaders, educators, and immigrant organizations on various issues, including college access, reproductive health, and socioeconomic inclusion in California. Her lifelong goal is to transform higher education institutions and equip vulnerable student populations. In her free time, Lena loves to explore cultural food in Los Angeles and support immigrant-owned businesses.