The Undocumented GC Network was established to provide guidance to undocumented GC students and GCs as they navigate throughout their genetic counseling journey. We also aim to inform the GC community about barriers faced by undocumented students and GCs. We plan to achieve our vision by drawing awareness of and advocating for issues that impact the undocumented population.
Top findings from the New American Economy & Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration 2020 report:
More than 450,000 (approximately 2% of all students) undocumented students are enrolled in higher education
87% of DACA-eligible students are enrolled in undergraduate programs, and 13% of DACA-eligible students are enrolled in graduate-level programs
We hope to contribute towards expanding the GC application pool and diversifying the field by connecting with students from this population who may be interested in genetic counseling.
~36%
of individuals matched to genetic counseling programs belong to racial and ethnic minority groups
(Data sourced from NMS GC Admissions Match Statistics)
Draw awareness of issues pertaining to undocumented prospective and current genetic students, practicing genetic counselors, and undocumented clients.
Provide peer support for those who are undocumented and are in or have plans to join the genetic counseling profession.
Advocate to dismantle institutional policies that hinder the ability practice genetic counseling as an undocumented student or genetic counseling professionals.
Advocate to dismantle institutional policies that hinder the ability for undocumented clients to access and benefit from genetic counseling.
We want to establish a safe space for undocumented individuals to feel accepted, share their stories, or address any concerns they may have throughout their professional GC journey.
We welcome feedback and would like to hear how we can cater to our undocumented community by hearing your experiences. Our resource guides were created in 2022 and includes information that is accurately representative up to this date.
We hope to increase genetic counseling awareness to recruit minority communities and expand the inclusion of students from different backgrounds.