New Book

I have a new book entitled, "We ARE Americans: Undocumented Students Pursuing the American Dream." You can order the book from the publisher by clicking on the book cover.

A sample chapter can be found here :

You can also order it through amazon:

Become a fan of "We ARE Americans," on Facebook:

Recent News

• Article published in the Journal of College Admission titled, "Higher Education Access for Undocumented Students: Recommendations for Counseling Professionals."

• Lecture, book signing, and panel discussion at the UCLA Chicano Studies Research Center on Tuesday 1-19-09.

• Keynote Address at the Association of Mexican American Educators (AMAE) conference on Saturday 1-16-10.

• Lecture at California State University, Northridge entitled, What does it mean to be American? on Wednesday 11-24-09 at 3pm.

• I'll be the keynote speaker for the Rising Immigrant Scholars Through Education (RISE) Applying Towards Success Conference at UC Berkeley on Saturday 11-14-09.

Praise for the book

"This fascinating look at the next generation of undocumented immigrants unpacks the complexities of the debate and puts unforgettable human faces to its subjects. Perez, a developmental psychologist and professor in Southern California, plumbs the stories of students living with the constant threat of deportation for an answer to the question, “What does it mean to be an American?” Raised in this country by parents who gained access illegally, the 16 high school, college and post-graduate students profiled here (standing in for 65,000 nationwide) have each embraced our language, culture and collective dream, but are denied pathways to success. Perez, who has worked at a variety of research institutions, including the RAND Corporation and the Standford Institute for Higher Education Research, makes a compelling argument for changing legislation on many fronts, including bottom line economics. Vitally, he argues, undocumented students are prevented from giving back to the communities that have raised them, thus limiting the country itself. No matter what one's position is on legalizing immigrants, this collection of inspiring, heartbreaking stories puts a number of unforgettable faces to the issue, making it impossible to defend any one side in easy terms or generalities. (Aug.)"
- Publishers Weekly, Starred Web Pick of the Week

“The stories of the undocumented students in this book represent the talented members of society that could potentially be lost if we don’t act soon; and force us to rethink our current immigration policies to be more inclusive and welcoming.”
- Dolores Huerta, Dolores Huerta Foundation, Co-founder of United Farm Workers

“In the process of describing the lives of undocumented students in the United States who aspire to live the American dream of working hard and going to college, Perez makes the powerful case that our current caste system for persons living without legal status undermines core egalitarian American ideals and violates the essence of our constitution which brings all persons under its mantle."
- María Blanco, Executive Director, Chief Justice Earl Warren Institute on Race, Ethnicity and Diversity

"We ARE Americans begins by placing undocumented people at the center of the story and in a much-needed historical and contemporary context. Professor Perez provides the evidence to challenge the notion that undocumented people are drain on social services and makes the argument that they have contributed, and continue to contribute, significantly to our nation’s economic and social well-being. Starting with Penelope, a highly motivated and tenacious high school senior and ending with Nicole, a newly minted Ph.D., Professor Perez has crafted 20 compelling portraits of resilience and survival in a social and educational world that continuously places barriers in the path of these gifted and talented scholars."
- From the Foreword by Daniel Solorzano, UCLA Professor of Social Sciences and Comparative Education

“The voices we hear through the pages of William Perez’s book are powerful and compelling; student voices that need to be at the center of our discussions on immigration and, more specifically, on the DREAM Act. We ARE Americans reinforces that education is the surest route to empowerment, and the need for all of us to be working together to ensure that students with so much talent and determination are given the opportunity to contribute fully to this country.”
- James Montoya, Vice President, The College Board

"Professor Perez paints a portrait of undocumented students that is as inspiring as it is tragic. We ARE Americans emphasizes the need to rethink current immigration policies to be more inclusive and welcome immigrants as equal citizens who contribute to making America great.”
- California State Senator Gilbert Cedillo (D-Los Angeles), author of the CA Dream Act

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