Applying to college can induce anxiety for even the most stoic high schooler. But for Nayelli Rico Lopez, the experience was particularly worrisome. As an undocumented person, Rico Lopez often felt lost when trying to enroll in college.
Now, as UNLV's resource coordinator overseeing the Undocumented Student Program, Rico Lopez says she wants to be a lifeline for students experiencing that same uncertainty.
"I am so passionate about doing this work because I'm a DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipient myself, and I know the challenges that students are going through," Rico Lopez said. "So I wanted to be that person to be there for these students and make sure that they're successful in their college journey."
Nearly 100,000 undocumented students graduate high school every year, and more than 450,000 undocumented individuals are enrolled in U.S. colleges or universities. In Nevada, undocumented students represent about 3% of the state's total college enrollment, according to a 2020 report from the Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration.
While more than 95% of UNLV freshmen receive some federal student aid — such as grants, loans, and employment through the Federal Work-Study Program — undocumented students are typically barred from receiving federal benefits.
Though UNLV offers those students assistance through an alternate need determination process, Rico Lopez says students often assume there are no options for them.
"The topic of accessing college while being undocumented is not talked about during high school years," Rico Lopez said. "It creates a lot of confusion for students, and it can become super overwhelming. So there are many qualified students who just don't apply."
That confusion is created, in part, by fear, Rico Lopez said. Some students don't want to publicly disclose their immigration status because it could subject them to discrimination or legal implications.
"You can feel like you're walking on eggshells because you just don't know how people will react to your status," Rico Lopez said. "I think in my role, and particularly as an undocumented person myself, students hopefully feel some trust, and they know they can talk to me privately, and I can help them receive this information."
Rico Lopez took over the Undocumented Student Program in September 2021. Housed in The Intersection, UNLV's multicultural resource center, she connects students with many resources, including non-federal financial aid and scholarships, career preparation, and basic needs assistance.
Before UNLV, Rico Lopez was a student worker in the office of community, equity, diversity, and inclusion at Nevada State College. She worked closely with undocumented students who were national scholarship recipients from TheDream.US, a nonprofit organization that grants scholarships to immigrant students. She was a recipient of the scholarship herself and worked closely with peers to become a source of support and guidance.
UNLV is partnering with TheDream.US to offer scholarships and career readiness training for its immigrant student population. Rico Lopez said the partnership is a tremendous boost to UNLV students.
"TheDream.US provided key support to other students and me and in a way validated our dreams and our very existence," Rico Lopez said. "Just as it did for me, this scholarship will ensure UNLV students can stay enrolled and focused on achieving success."
Rico Lopez hopes to expand the Undocumented Student Program and increase awareness for its offerings.
"We know this student population is particularly resourceful and resilient, but we're here just to support them," Rico Lopez said. "I want to stay connected with the students, but also with external resources, faculty and staff, and any other group or individual who wants to help these students."
