We create solutions for political, legal, and educational systems through research, knowledge sharing, and thought partnership that reflect the lived experiences and socioeconomic contributions of undocumented people. By combining data, personal stories, community insights, and rigorous inquiry, our research and thought leadership helps reshape how people understand immigration and guide individuals, institutions, and policymakers to make informed decisions toward a more just future for all.

Research & Reports

• Building Trust: Developing Mental Health Services for Undocumented College Students (2026)
  Uncovers three dimensions of trust that shape undocumented students’ well-being and academic success, along with recommendations for students, providers, institutions, and policymakers.
• Navigating Entrepreneurship: Insights from Immigrant Entrepreneurs and Aspiring Business Owners in Fresno (2025)
  Traces the unique entrepreneurial landscape, barriers, and support services faced by Central Valley immigrant entrepreneurs, along with proposals to improve the entrepreneurial ecosystem within Central Valley.

Featured Contributions & Earlier Publications

• Supporting Mental Health Amid Uncertain Immigration Status: A Higher Education Guide by The Presidents’ Alliance, TheDream.US, Informed Immigrant, and Immigrants Rising (2025)
  Addresses heightened mental health distress caused by an uncertain and perilous immigration climate in 2025, offering strategies for students, scholars, and educators, plus policy recommendations for higher education leaders.
• How Can I Get My Papers: Lessons From a Decade of Online Legal Intakes for Undocumented Immigrants (2019)
  Comprehensive analysis of a decade of legal screenings for close to 3,000 undocumented immigrants.
• California Community Colleges Dreamers Project: Strengthening Institutional Practices To Support Undocumented Student Success (2019)
  Outlines the challenges of undocumented students attending CCCs and promising practices to address them.
• UndocuCollege Guide & Equity Tool: Working Toward Educational Equity & Inclusion of Undocumented Students at Institutions of Higher Education in California (2016)
  Identifies the systemic problems in educational access for undocumented young people and identifies effective practices for institutions to better serve their undocumented students.

Solutions & Recommendations

• A California Blueprint for Immigrant Socioeconomic Prosperity (2026)
  Lists an actionable agenda for policy leaders and the next Governor of California focused on four key areas to ensure undocumented Californians can achieve socioeconomic prosperity.
• Effectively Supporting Black Undocumented Students Through Higher Education (2022)
  An overview of the experiences of current Black undocumented students and recommendations to better reach, engage with, and support this student population.
• Increasing Inclusivity for Undocumented Asian Pacific Islander (API) Students on Your Campus (2021)
  Looks at tangible and effective practices to uplift and connect with undocumented Asian Pacific Islander (API) students in higher education institutions.

For questions about Immigrants Rising’s research efforts, contact [email protected].