Undocumented Students Dreamers Resources
California Dreamers
6 Things Undocumented Students Need to Know About College
- You can go to college.
- You are not alone.
- You can find a college that fits you.
- You'll apply like any other student.
- Your options may change.
- You can find resources to help you.
AB540
AB540, is a California law passed in 2001. AB540 allows undocumented students to pay in-state tuition rates if they meet all of the following requirements:
- Attended a California high school for 3 or more years.
- Graduated from a California high school with a high school diploma or attained the equivalent (GED).
- After accepted to a California public university or college, if undocumented, the student mus file an affidavit with the intended college or university stating their eligibility under AB540 and intention of applying for a lawful immigration status as soon as they are eligible.
California Dream Act AB130 and AB131 passed and signed by California Jerry Brown in 2011.
SB 68
SB 68 benefits students who didn't go to 3 years of high school in California. SB 68 will allow students to count full-time attendance at a California Community College, Adult School, Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, High School or a combination of these schools to meet the 3 years required to be eligible for in-state tuition. Students who have 3 years of high school coursework can also count attendance at an elementary school.
California Dream Act Application (AB131)
In the past, the State of California did not administer a financial aid program that included undocumented students. This bill now allows undocumented students who qualify for AB540 to participate in state funded financial aid programs. AB 131 calls for California's community colleges to allow students to apply for the Board of Governor's Fee Waivers, which waive the educational fees of qualifying low-income students and qualify for Cal Grants.
California Dream Act Application
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
On June 15, 2012, President Obama announced a new plan to assist undocumented youth. It is not a new law, or even a regulation. It is not a long-term solution, nor does it grant a legal status. But, it is a very exciting step forward. This program, now called Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a way for undocumented young people to ask the U.S. Immigration Service to let them stay for two years at a time. And DACA can also lead to a 2 year work card and a Social Security number.
Youth can apply to this program if they meet the following requirements:
- Were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012
- Came to the US before reaching your 16th birthday
- Have continuously resided in the US since June 15th 2007, up to the present time
- Were physically present in the US on June 15th 2012, and at the time of making your request for consideration of deferred action with USCIS
- Entered without inspection before June 15 2012 or your lawful immigration status expired as of June 15, 2012
- Are currently in school, have graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from high school, have obtained a general education development (GED) certificate, or are an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the US; and
- Have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, three or more other misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.
How to Apply for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
- Review guidelines
- Collect documents as evidence you meet the guidelines
- Complete USCIS Forms I-821D and I-765 at www.uscis.gov/I-821D(Please attend free community workshops for assistance with completing these forms. You may go to the counseling office for information on local events)
- Mail USCIS forms and fees (total $465)
- Visit your local USCIS Application Support Center for a scheduled biometrics services appointment
- Check the status of your request online
Related Links
- AB540
- Immigrants Rising
- California Dream Act
- DACA
- UC Undocumented Student Resources
- CSU Undocumented Student Resources
- Bay Area Immigration Resources (PDF)
- MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fun Salvadoran American Leadership and Educational Fund
- Share Your Story
- Know Your Rights
- Life After College (PDF)
Resources for Staff
- Department of Education Resource Guide: Supporting Undocumented Youth (PDF)
- Immigrant Rising Educator Guide (PDF)
- Immigrant Rising Educator Resource Binder
- Immigrants Rising Presentation Request
Legal Support
Family Preparation
Family Preparation Planning (PDF)
Under our new President, it has been unclear about what actions will take place in the next days, months or years. Therefore, it is important for all students and families to know their rights and get legal assistance for status. Read more about the Bay Area Immigration Resources. In California, undocumented students may still apply to college and received Cal Grants (with AB540 eligibility). Please see your counselor for more support.
Scholarship Opportunities
You CAN do it!
- You are not alone. Thousands of undocumented students have gone to college in the US and graduated. This won't be easy but you can do it.
- Get comfortable asking for help. Find people you can trust to help you navigate the college process.
- Practice telling "your story" as many private scholarships require a face-to-face interview.
- Even if you intend to go to UC, CSU, or private school, you should apply to your local community college as a backup plan.
- Once in college, join student support groups (AB540 student groups) to network and find out about other scholarship opportunities.
- Go back to your community and share your story with other younger students in your same situation.