From Dreamer to Doer: College Resources for Undocumented Students

Admissions Factors to Know

• You will need to research admissions eligibility. Most states allow undocumented students to be admitted to their public colleges and universities, but some do not. The rules governing admission of undocumented students to private schools varies from school to school. And, of course, all applicants must meet the specific admissions requirements of each school they apply to regardless of legal or undocumented immigrant status. Therefore, you’ll need to put some real time and effort into understanding the details of admissions eligibility for each college program you’re considering. 
• You might not qualify for in-state tuition, even in the state that you live. Currently, 23 states and the District of Columbia offer in-state tuition rates for undocumented students attending their public colleges and universities — which means that most states do not. This fact can play a significant role in your choice of school because it is common for public schools to charge substantially higher tuition rates to students not considered to be in-state residents. More on this and other college-financing issues below.
• DACA status may help you. You likely already know about Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) — a federal policy that protects eligible immigrants who first came to the U.S. as children from deportation and allows them to obtain a work permit. Generally, there are no advantages or disadvantages to DACA status when it comes to college admissions, at least in terms of public schools. (As mentioned earlier, each private school has its own individual admissions policies.) However, DACA status can have its advantages when it comes to accessing certain forms of financial aid.

Admissions Resources You Need

• 9 Dreamers (DACA recipients) College Application Tips: Here you’ll find a helpful list of tips for DACA recipients and other undocumented students for successfully applying to college, offered by lawyers.
• An Undocumented Student Guide to College in Michigan: This guide offers plenty of great admissions-related advice for undocumented students planning to attend college in Michigan — or anywhere else, for that matter. It includes an informative section on how to apply to college with tips for filling out college applications. A list of questions to ask admissions and financial aid officers also is included.
• Applying as an Undocumented Student: If you’re looking to hear from someone who has gone through the college application process, check out this short but informative YouTube video — created for Khan Academy — of an undocumented college student offering her experiences and tips for applying to college. 
• Applying to College While Undocumented – Timeline and Advice: This blog post from My Undocumented Life provides an overview of the requirements for applying to college for undocumented students, presented in a timeline format.
• Applying to Grad School: The popular online platform My Undocumented Life offers access to dozens of informative articles and blog posts designed to help undocumented students through the graduate school application process.
• Common Application: This is the website for the Common Application (or “Common App”), the application used by more than 1,000 colleges and universities in the U.S. for its undergraduate applicants — including undocumented students. 
• Guide to the Citizenship Section of the Common App (Can I Still Get Into College if I’m Undocumented?): This excellent blog post explains how undocumented students should handle the citizenship section of the Common Application. The post also offers helpful information and advice on broader college application issues.
• Law School Resource Guide for Undocumented Students: This guide from Immigrants Rising provides comprehensive information and advice for applying to law school in the U.S. It includes valuable information on all application components (LSAT, resume, letters of recommendation, personal and diversity statements, possible immigration disclosures, etc.).
• Refugee Eligibility for Admissions to Higher Education: This is a guide from the Higher Ed Immigration Portal providing useful information on how refugees resettled in the U.S. can best explain their immigration status and eligibility in the college enrollment process.
• Resources for Applying to College as an Undocumented Student: Here you’ll access a comprehensive guide from Informed Immigrant with tons of great information, advice, and links to resources designed to aid undocumented students to successfully apply to college, as well as find funding and succeed in their studies. 

Financial Aid & College Funding: What You Should Know

• You will likely need alternative sources of funding: We mentioned earlier that there are no federal or state laws prohibiting undocumented students from being admitted to U.S. colleges. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said when it comes to federal financial aid opportunities. The fact is that undocumented students, including those protected through DACA, are not eligible for federal student aid of any kind. As mentioned above, though, other forms of financial aid (including state government aid in some states) are available to otherwise qualifying undocumented students. 
• Scholarships and grants will be important, see below. Without federal student aid, other funding sources become much more important. These include scholarships, grants, work-study programs, assistantships and fellowships, etc. Information on a number of these sources can be found just below. Remember, there’s financial help available, but you’re going to have to do some work to find it.

Financial Resources & Scholarships

• Financial Aid and Undocumented Students Questions and Answers: This is a brief but informative list of FAQs concerning financial aid for DACA and undocumented students provided by the U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid program.
• Golden Door Scholars: This resource offers scholarships to DACA, undocumented students, and those eligible for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Preference is given to applicants studying nursing, business, and STEM subjects. Attendance at partner schools is encouraged but not required. Golden Scholars also sponsors a graduate loan program open to recipients of Golden Door Scholars, TheDream.US, and Equal Chance for Education scholarships.
• Immigrants Rising – List of Scholarships and Fellowships: Here you’ll find a searchable list of scholarship and fellowship programs (national and state-specific) that do not require proof of U.S. citizenship. Users can filter results by region/state, education level, and immigration status.
• Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program: This is a major provider of scholarships to high-achieving high school seniors in the U.S. seeking to attend top four-year colleges and universities. The program is open to both U.S. citizens and non-citizens, including DACA and undocumented students.
• My Undocumented Life College Scholarships Blog: Keep up to date on the latest scholarship opportunities for undocumented students here. Get information on dozens of national-, regional-, and state-level undergraduate and graduate scholarships.
• Point Foundation Flagship Scholarship: You’ll find information at this website about a scholarship program designed to empower LGBTQ students working on undergraduate and graduate degrees at accredited U.S. colleges and universities. Open to (but not exclusively for) undocumented college students, both DACA and non-DACA. 
• QuestBridge National College Match Scholarships: This program provides high-achieving, low-income students with full four-year scholarships to partner colleges. U.S. citizenship is not required, but undocumented student applicants may not be eligible for some partner colleges.
• TheDream.US National Scholarships for High School and College Students: This scholarship program is open to undocumented students meeting specific immigration and academic eligibility requirements. Scholarships must be used at one of the program’s partner colleges in the recipient’s home state.
• TheDream.US Opportunity Scholarship for Locked-Out Dreamers: This scholarship program targets undocumented students residing in states that either do not admit them into their public colleges or require them to pay out-of-state tuition rates. Recipients must attend one of the program’s five partner colleges.
• United We Dream – Scholarships for Undocumented Students and DACA Recipients: This is another excellent platform for finding scholarship opportunities open to DACA and undocumented students. Users can filter results by organization, academic level, region, eligibility, etc.

Legal Aid and Advocacy Needs of Undocumented Students

• What you need to know about the legal process for staying in the country as it pertains to students: If you were born in a foreign country and have no legal right to be or remain in the U.S., you are considered an undocumented immigrant. As an undocumented immigrant, if you are detained in the U.S. by officials, you’ll likely be placed into the removal process and receive an immigration court date. And, barring the obtaining of legal status though one of the methods discussed below, you will likely be deported. 
• How to obtain and maintain DACA status (and whether or not you qualify): DACA is an administrative relief program that protects (at least temporarily) eligible immigrants who came to the U.S. as children from deportation. Obtaining DACA status requires application to U.S. Citizenship and Immigrations Services (USCIS). If you have yet to apply for DACA status, you can still do so. However, as of a Texas federal court ruling in July 2021 and a subsequent appeal, new DACA applications are prevented from being processed or approved. How long this prohibition remains in effect is not known. It’s also important to note that applying for DACA for the first time now comes with both possible risks and benefits, so it is highly recommended that anyone considering initial application to DACA consult with an attorney or accredited representative before doing so.
  
  If you currently possess DACA status, you’re likely aware that you must file for status renewal according to your expiration date (found on your I-797 Notice of Action form and your work authorization card). You can now submit your renewal online. Detailed information on applying to and renewing DACA can be found on the USCIS DACA website.
• Other avenues to residency and programs you should know about: There are several potential paths for undocumented immigrants to obtain a Permanent Resident Card (commonly known as a Green Card). These include, among others, marrying a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, applying for asylum status, applying for a U visa, and service in U.S. Armed Forces. For complete information on Green Card eligibility and the application process, visit the USCIS Green Card website.

Legal Aid and Advocacy Resources

• American Immigration Council: This organization is dedicated to strengthening America by shaping how Americans think about immigration and immigrants. The website offers a wealth of information on dozens of immigration law topics, including DACA.
• Find an Immigration Lawyer: Access the American Immigration Lawyers Association search engine to locate AILA member immigration attorneys throughout the U.S. and around the world. Users can search in English or Spanish and filter results by lawyer specialization and location.
• Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC): ILRC’s mission is to educate and work with immigrants, communities, and the legal sector to “build a democratic society that values diversity and the rights of all people.” The website offers access to a wealth of resources for both documented and undocumented immigrants in California and Texas.
• Informed Immigrant’s Advocacy Resources for Undocumented College Students: This list links to dozens of quality online resources aimed at supporting and advocating for undocumented college students. Resource headings include campus safety, mental health, working while undocumented, and more.
• List of Pro Bono Legal Service Providers: Search this list of dozens of legal organizations throughout the U.S providing no-cost legal services — brought to you by the United States Department of Justice.
• Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF): Billed as the “nation’s leading Latino legal civil rights organization,” MALDEF advocates for the protection and defense of the rights of all Latinos in the U.S., including those concerning issues of higher education.
• National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC): Heartland Alliance provides direct legal services and more for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in the United States through the NIJC. Visitors to the website will find a clearinghouse of legal information and resources.
• National Immigration Law Center: This national organization is dedicated exclusively to defending and advocating for the rights of immigrants of low income. The website offers a number of resources on subjects impacting immigrants, including ones focused on DACA and education. 
• National Immigration Legal Services Directory: Search a directory of immigration legal services providers located throughout the United States here. The directory is a joint project of Pro Bono Net and the Immigration Advocates Network.
• Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration: This website represents an alliance of U.S. college and university leaders advocating for an increased understanding of the impact of immigration policies and practices on students, campuses, and communities.

• 6 Things Undocumented Students Need to Know About College: The College Board’s “Big Future” program offers an overview of the college environment for undocumented students. This site is a great place for answers to your general questions about applying to, attending, and succeeding in college.
• Higher Ed Immigration Portal: Use this digital platform to access useful information, data, and resources supporting undocumented, DACA, refugee, immigrant, and international students.
• How to Support College-Bound Undocumented Students — Advice for Parents: Educators for Fair Consideration developed this resource for parents seeking to understand the full college application process and experience in order to better support their undocumented, college-bound child.
• Immigrants Rising: This California-based nonprofit is dedicated to helping undocumented people in the U.S. succeed in their educations and careers. College information is focused on California undocumented students, but there’s plenty of great resources for students regardless of where’s they’re located.
• International Student Services Association (ISSA): This nonprofit organization provides “information, inspirations, and motivation” to immigrant students in the U.S. Visitors to the site will find plenty of useful resources for students, including ACT/SAT exam strategies and help finding financial aid.
• My Undocumented Life: Here you’ll find a website created by a volunteer-run organization with extensive information and resources for undocumented students, their families, and allies. Specific resources are available for undergraduate and graduate students.
• TheDream.US: In partnership with more than 80 colleges and universities in 21 states, this is a nonprofit organization dedicated solely to helping undocumented students in the U.S. meet their college education goals.
• Undocu-Grad School Guide: The New York State Youth Leadership Council created this comprehensive guide to pursuing, paying for, and succeeding in graduate school as an undocumented student. Produced primarily for students attending college in New York State, you’ll nevertheless find the information and advice invaluable regardless of where you study.
• UndocuHealth National Mental Health Directory: Access this state-by-state listing of mental health services providers with experience working with members of the undocumented community. Information includes whether providers offer their services free or at a reduced cost, and if online or telemedicine options are available.
• United We Dream: United We Dream describes itself as the “largest immigrant youth-led community in the country.” Its website offers access to a variety of resources supporting undocumented students and other immigrants.

Affordability

As mentioned earlier, public colleges and universities in over half of all U.S. states do not allow undocumented students residing in those states to pay in-state tuition rates, which are often substantially lower than out-of-state resident rates. You’ll find, however, that many of these same public schools now charge all students in their online degree programs the same low in-state tuition rates regardless of in-state or out-of-state residency. As a result, undocumented students can save significantly on their college costs by enrolling in online degree programs.

Access to More School Options

If you are undocumented and living in a state that prohibits you from admission to its public colleges and universities, online college programs from schools that do admit undocumented students provide you the opportunity to earn your degree without having to pick up and move to that school’s state. And of course, if a degree in the academic field you’re interested in is not available at a school in your state, it may be offered online from a school in another.

Ability to Study from Anywhere

Being able to log on and access your college studies at anytime and from anywhere (including in the privacy of your own home) is a major benefit to online college, regardless of your legal residency status. But it can be particularly advantageous for undocumented students. That’s because online college programs eliminate the risk of public exposure of their undocumented status by traveling to and from campus and attending classes in person. Online programs additionally eliminate the need to relocate to a college town, another potential risk of exposure for undocumented students.

Ability to Balance School and Personal Life

Undocumented students are often without the luxury of being able to focus primarily on their college careers, instead having to balance their studies with other vital concerns such as family, earning a living, and – sometimes – legal matters related to their undocumented status. Online college programs, especially those delivered asynchronously, offer students a tremendous amount of flexibility, allowing them to better fit their academics into their already busy work and life schedules.

Connect with Other Undocumented & Immigrant Students

Being able to interact with others going through the same challenges that you’re experiencing can have a tremendously positive impact on your ability to effectively deal with those challenges. And no one understands the unique challenges of an undocumented college student better than another undocumented student. Many colleges today are home to student organizations that bring undocumented students on their campuses together for mutual support. Examples include the Undocumented Student Working Group at Santa Clara University, the Dreamers Discussion Group at Marquette University, dreaMSU at Michigan State University, and the UndocuQueer and UndocuTrans support group at the University of California at Santa Barbara.

Take Advantage of the Resources Available to You

No matter what college you attend, there’s no reason to feel like you’re alone. Today, most colleges and universities are aware of the special challenges and needs of their undocumented student population, and they make a special effort to connect with and support those students. The same goes for the surrounding community. That doesn’t mean, of course, that every school and community is equal when it comes to the resources they provide. But there are resources out there — you just have to search them out. Start with your own school’s student services department (more on them below). You can also try connecting with one of the many national-level organizations described earlier in this guide, including Immigrants Rising, United We Dream, and TheDream.US.

Stay Connected to Your Family

Family conditions can vary substantially for individual undocumented students. Some students are surrounded by large, close-knit families, while others are alone with no other family members to support them. Often, they’re part of mixed-status families. Additionally, being the first in a family to attend college (which is often the case with undocumented students) can lead to a feeling of isolation from other family members, even those in the immediate area. For all of these reasons, it’s especially important for undocumented students to make a consistent and concerted effort to stay connected with family — when possible and if you have a healthy family dynamic — throughout your college experiences.

Get Involved in Your Community

The concept of “community” can mean two things here: The first is the community of your fellow undocumented students; the second is your local community, i.e., the city or town in which you live or go to school. In the case of your local community, there are a range of organizations and associations you can reach out to and participate in, including social, church, and community service groups. You can also get involved in organizations focused on activism and advocacy for your fellow undocumented immigrants. The bottom line is that it’s all about connectivity, so connecting with other like-minded members of your community will help you feel less alone and feed your mental and emotional well-being.

Use Student Services if Needed

Along with student groups, many college campuses today strive to provide their undocumented students with a range of support services geared specifically for them. These services are sometimes combined and located on campus at a dedicated undocumented student support center or office. Lists and descriptions of undocumented student support services can often be found on dedicated webpages on college and university websites. Examples include these sites from Northern Illinois University, Whatcom Community College, and California State University Monterey Bay.

Take Care of Yourself

Good mental health goes hand in hand with good physical health. That’s true for all college students, regardless of their immigration status. There’s no big secret to maintaining your physical well-being, and recommendations include:

• Eat a balanced diet.
• Get regular exercise.
• Eliminate – or at least mitigate – drinking and drug use.
• Practice safe sex.
• And — this is particularly important — get enough sleep.

One more thing to keep in mind: If you think you should see a doctor or other health professional, do not hesitate to do so. Most colleges today offer quality on-campus healthcare services you can access right away. If your school does not, its student services department should be able to help connect you with the health services you need in the surrounding community.

Build Your Support System

All of the above suggestions for maintaining your mental health are important, but they’re meaningless if you don’t put them into action. Good mental health requires consistent attention and practice. And in doing so, you’ll find that you’ve established a strong support system of family, college, and community members that you can depend on throughout your academic career.