A publication in the journal DiverseEducation recounts the experience of Etelin Tapi, an undocumented Colorado College student who attended the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) meeting to find support and guidance amid growing concerns about immigration reform in the United States. Tapi, a Mexican immigrant brought to the U.S. at the age of 1, highlights the challenges she faced in getting into college and the uncertainties regarding her future, especially due to the attack on immigration rights, including the DACA program.

The article also highlights the persistence and determination of Latino students pursuing a college education, often at Hispanic Service Institutions (HSIs). However, the number of Latino students who earn a bachelor’s degree remains significantly below other ethnic groups, such as African Americans, whites, and Asians.

Dr. Antonio R. Flores, HACU leader, highlights the need for significant investment to improve the Latino graduation rate and calls on President Biden to establish a President's Advisory Council for Hispanic Care Institutions through an executive order. This initiative would aim to advise the government on pressing issues facing HSIs, according to the magazine.

“Currently, there is a HSI Caucus in the U.S House of Representatives headed by Congressman Joaquin Castro of Texas, and in 2021, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), both members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, announced the launch of the first-ever Senate Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) Caucus for the 117th Congress”.

It is important to note the continued growth in the number of HSIs across the country and the importance of ensuring equitable funding for these institutions. HACU plans to push for important legislation, including the HERE Act and the DREAM Act, as well as strengthening Titles V and III of the Higher Education Act and expanding the role of HSIs in the Farm Act.

The article points out that this year’s HACU conference focused on harnessing the power of Hispanics in the U.S. workforce, with workshops dedicated to preparing first-generation Latino students for the workforce. Flores highlights the significant contribution of Latinos to the U.S. economy, but also underscores the need to increase Latino representation in fields such as STEM, energy, computer science, and information technology, as well as in the medical field.