1. Undocumented Immigrant: A non-citizen living in the U.S. without authorization from the federal government. The individual either 1) entered without inspection, or 2) entered with a valid visa or other status, and overstayed the authorized duration of that visa or status. Undocumented immigratns are subeject to deporation and are ineligible for federal financial assistance programs or social services.

2. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA): A 2012 executive order that provides undocumented young people (who meet certain criteria) a two year temporary administrative relief from deportation, and authorization to work in the U.S. In 2017, the Trump administration ended DACA. After a series of lawsuits filed against the administration for unlawfully terminating the program, the Supreme Court ordered the continuation of DACA applications. Currently (as of September 1, 2020), DACA renewal applications are being accepted, but no initial applications are being accepted at this time.

3. AB540: Allows certain non-resident students to receive reduced in-state tuition at public colleges and universities (CCC, CSU, UC). Students must have attended at least three years of high school in California and earned a diploma or GED. 

4. AB2000: Expands on AB540 to enable students to count years spent at CA elementary and middle schools towards the three years of CA schooling requirement. 

5. SB68: Expands on AB540 to enable students to count years spent at CCC and adult education towards AB540 eligibility. Students with less than three years of high school in California, may earn any (remainder) of the required 1,260 hours via non-credit and credit attendance. One year of full-time attendance (non-credit or credit) is equivalent to 420 hours. Additionally, SB68 allows the completion of an associate degree or meeting minimum requirements to transfer to a CSU or UC as sufficient for students to qualify for in-state tuition and financial aid.

6. CA Dream Act (CADA): Launched in 2013 through the passage of AB130 and Ab131, the California Dream Act allows qualifying AB540 students to access state and non-state resourced funds to finance their college/university education. Students are also able to access non-state funded scholarships directly through their colleges and state-funded financial aid. Apply by March 2nd.

7. Federal Dream Act: The Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act (the “DREAM Act”) bill would provide certain undocumented individuals who graduate from U.S. high schools, who are of good moral character, arrived in the U.S. as minors, and have been in the country continuously for at least five years prior to the bill’s enactment, the opportunity to earn conditional permanent residency. The DREAM Act was first introduced in 2001, but was never passed despite multiple legislative attempts.

8. ‘DREAMer’ Narrative: ‘DREAMers” were originally those undocumented youths who were advocating fo the DREAM Act. Most of them were well-assimilated students already in college or college bound. Implications of the DREAMer narrative included: raising the bar to unrealistic standards while marginalizing different groups of immigrants, legal complications created for the family/household, and perpetuates the burdens produced by the model minority stereotype. 

9. Mixed-Status Family: A family/household in which one or more immediate family members are U.S. Citizens and one or more immediate family members are undocumented (without “papers” or “legal status”). 

10. Allyship: “An active, consistent, and arduous practice of unlearning and re-evaluating, in which a person of privilege seeks to operate in solidarity with a marginalized group of people.” (Anti-Oppression Network, 2017). “It’s not supposed to be a performance. It’s supposed to be a way of living your life that doesn’t reinforce the same oppressive behaviors you’re claiming to be against.” (Mckenzie).Sanctuary Schools and Campus: Educational institutions that adopt policies to protect students who are undocumented. However, schools and campuses are limited to how much they can protect individuals

11. Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (F.E.R.P.A.): A federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education, including colleges and universities.

12. Advance Parole: A provision of U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) allows people to travel back into the United States without applying for a visa. A transportation company (airlines) can accept an advance parole document instead of a visa as proof that you are authorized to travel to the United States.

13. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (I.C.E.): The bureau within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that enforces immigration laws and conducts the apprehension, detention, and deportation of immigrants.

14. Detainment: The government practice of incarcerating individuals while they wait for a decision on their immigration case.

15. Deportation: Expulsion of a non-citizen from the U.S. People who can be departed include non-citizens (including lawful permanent residents) with criminal convictions, visa overstays, refugee/asylum seekers, and those who entered without inspection. Once removed, a non-citizen faces a legal bar that prevents return to the U.S. for an extended period of time or permanently. 

1. “Undocumented” is a broad term that includes all immigrants who reside in the U.S. without legal status, including those who:

• Entered without inspection or with fraudulent documents
• Entered legally but overstayed
• Have or previously had DACA
• Are currently in the process of pursuing legal status
• Have Temporary Permanent Status (TPS), a U-visa, or are unable to change their status due to personal reasons or circumstances.

2. Undocumented Student profile:

Most undocumented students have:

• Lived in the U.S. most of their lives
• Learned to speak English, or speak English fluently
  
• Attended elementary, middle, and high school in the U.S.
  
• Graduated from high school and desire to earn a college education
  
• No path to become a legal resident or U.S. citizen

3. Fullerton College undocumented student profile:

4. Greatest challenges are financial
Other challenges:

5. Growing up American and Undocumented infographic:

1. Undocumented students (including those receiving DACA) who meet the criteria for AB540, SB2000, or SB68, should file an affidavit at A&R in order to pay in-state tuition.

• See Key Terms section (above) for info on AB540, AB2000, and SB68
  
• Fullerton College’s residency & AB540 requirements.

2. States that offer a way for undocumented students to qualify for in-state tuition and/or state aid:

1. DO NOT ADVISE UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS TO FILL OUT A FAFSA APPLICATION without consultation from Financial Aid staff and/or an attorney, as submitting personal information to the federal government may pose a risk.

2. The California Dream Act (CADA) allows undocumented students who qualify for AB540 to be eligible for certain types of financial aid such as private scholarships funded through public universities, state administered financial aid, university grants, community college fee waivers, and Cal Grants. 

3. Fullerton College’s California Dream Act Page (Financial Aid Office). 

4. Students may meet AB540 requirements through non-credit coursework at NOCE. 

5. 10 Things You Need to Know About the CA Dream Act Application (PDF)

6. CADA FAQ’s for Students and Parents (PDF)

7. Quick Guide to College Access for Undocumented Students in California (PDF)

8. FAFSA vs CA Dream Act: Apply to the Correct Financial Aid in CA (PDF)

9. Overview of types of financial eligibility for undocumented students based on AB540 and DACA:

10. Applying for Scholarships (PDF)

11. 2020 Undergraduate Scholarships That Don’t Require Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Legal Permanent Residency (PDF)

12. Scholarships Friendly to Undocumented Students

1. Visit the Grads to Be website for information on Know Your Rights workshops and Legal Aid Clinics.

2. If U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) comes to your office or classroom:

a. Do not open doors. ICE cannot come in without a signed warrant. Tell them to pass the warrant under the door before you open it.Make sure the warrant correctly states your name and address.
b. Remain silent. ICE can use anything you say against you in your immigration case so claim your right to remain silent! Say “I plead the Fifth Amendment and choose to remain silent.”
c. Do not sign. Don’t sign anything ICE gives you without talking to an attorney.
d. Report it immediately to the UWD hotline: 1-844-363-1423. Take pictures, video and notes: badge numbers, numbers of agents, exactly what happened!
e. Fight back! Get a trustworthy attorney and explore all options to fight your case. If detained, you may be able to get bail – don’t give up hope! (Source: Immigrant and Refugee Children Guide)

3. If a family member is detained or deported, take steps immediately to learn where they are and what led to their detention and possible deportation. To help, arrange to speak to them, visit them and/or send an attorney to learn about the case and determine how they can defend their case. Some parents at risk of deportation may be reluctant to develop an emergency plan or even talk to their children about the risk of separation. However, developing a plan can help ease anxiety of the unknown, increase the chances of families being able to stay together should separation occur, and prevent children from unnecessarily entering the child welfare system. Parents should create a plan and share as much of that plan as possible with their children. Don’t wait – be proactive and plan ahead. Below are some steps you can take:

a. Identify a legal aid organization, legal advocate or pro bono attorney, and write down the organization’s or person’s contact information.
b. Identify at least two willing caregivers and write down their complete contact information.
c. Collect important documents for children, such as passports, birth certificates, Social Security cards, and school and medical records. And put them somewhere safe and secure but accessible to trusted family members (known to trusted family members). Make a copy of all documents and keep a copy in a safe place as well.
d. Save money for legal fees/bonds. Write down your information regarding financial records, bank statements, savings accounts, credit cards, etc.
e. Consider establishing a power of attorney for a designated caregiver, authorizing that adult to care for your children under the age of 18.
f. Do not carry any false documents.
g. Have your documents ready and organized: passports, IDs, attorney contact information, financial records, letters from immigration, and your Alien Registration Number, or A-Number, if you have a pending immigration case. All of these documents should be organized in a folder or binder for easy access in a place where your children, housemates or trusted relatives will be able to access it in case of an emergency. (Source: Immigrant and Refugee Children Guide)

4. Finding legal representation:
a. The Administrative Relief website (www.adminrelief.org) allows you to search for legal services by ZIP code and to modify your search based on what you’re looking for (e.g., for help after a detention, you can narrow your search to “Removal Defense Attorneys”).
b. The Department of Justice lists pro bono and low-cost immigration attorneys by state (www.justice.gov/eoir/list-pro-bono-legal-service-providers-map).
c. Visit the websites of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (www.ailalawyer.com) and the National Immigration Project (www.nationalimmigrationproject.org/find.html) (Source: Immigrant and Refugee Children Guide)

1. Study abroad can be approved for undocumented students with DACA through Advance Parole, but are still subject to inspection of eligibility to enter the U.S. (Source: https://www.uscis.gov/i-131)

2. Cost of non-resident tuition (see CA Residency & In-State Tuition)

3. Transfer Applications

CSU and UC:

• Students are not required to report a SSN and may leave the field blank, including those issued a SSN or ITIN via DACA. However, inputting your SSN could help colleges/universities match you to your financial aid information
• Students must never report a fraudulent SSN.
• Students may claim California as permanent home when asked to “Select the US state which you regard as your permanent home, regardless of your legal capacity to establish residency…”
• Recommended to consult with transfer institution for further information
• Students are not required to enter a SSN and may leave the field blank, however, inputting your SSN could help the colleges/universities match you to your financial aid information

Common Application:

• Students are not required to enter a SSN and may leave the field blank, however, inputting your SSN could help the colleges/universities match you to your financial aid information
• Suggest selecting “None” regarding U.S. Citizenship Status
• Suggest reporting your country of birth (e.g. Canada) for Country of Citizenship
• Recommended to consult with transfer institution for further information

Immigrants Rising – Educational Resource Binder (PDF)

Top 10 Ways to Support Undocumented Students (PDF)

UndocuCollege Guide & Equity Tool (2016) (PDF)

1. Undocumented students hired for a job may not be paid by federal funds as this may be grounds for deportation and/or may compromise their path towards citizenship.

2. Professional Licenses

• While professional degrees may be permitted, professional licenses may not. 
• Only 10 states permit professional licenses. If a student moves to a state that requires citizenship for licensure, students may not be able to practice in that state. 
• CA permits all professional licenses to be earned by undocumented individuals.
• Currently, at least 10 states—California, Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, South Dakota, Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming—allow DACA recipients to obtain certain professional licenses. In addition, New York allows teacher certifications and licenses through its Board of Regents.

FC CTE: Entrepreneurship and Degrees and Certificates

Immigrants Rising – Basic Facts About Entrepreneurship (PDF)

Immigrants Rising – Income and Career Alternatives for Undocumented Students (Webinar)

Immigrants Rising – 5 Tips for Educators to Help Students Get Started As Independent Contractors/Freelancers (PDF)

Immigrants Rising – Income and Career Options for Undocumented Students: How Colleges Can Help (Webinar)

#UndocuHustle FIlm

States that offer Driver’s Licenses to immigrants

1. Referrals to Dream Centers on transfer campuses

Transfer implications to out of state (travel)

2. California State University

• CSU Resources for Undocumented Students

By Campus

• CSUF Titan Dreamers Resource Center

Location: Pollak Library South 180, Room 185

Phone: 657-278-3234

Email:  tdrc@fullerton.edu 

Social Media: Instagram

• CSULB Resources for Undocumented Students

Location: Student Success Center – 290

Phone: 562-985-5869

Email: dream@csulb.edu

Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

3. University of California

• UCB Undocumented Student Program
• UCD AB540 and Undocumented Student Center
• UCI Dream Center
• UCLA Undocumented Student Program
• UCM Services for Undocumented Students
• UCR Undocumented Student Programs
• UCSF Undocumented Student Support Services (graduate programs only)
• UCSB Dream Scholars/ Undocumented Students Services
• UCSC Undocumented Student Services (USS)
• UCSD Undocumented Student Services

4. Private Universities

• Chapman University Resources for Undocumented Students
• LMU Undocumented Student Services
• University of San Diego Undocumented Student Resources
• USC Resources for Undocumented Trojans – La Casa

1. The Grads to Be Program is focused on supporting Undocumented and AB 540 students by providing resources and services geared towards enhancing and supporting their academic journey and personal well-being. The program fosters a supportive and inclusive campus community, which is essential to the growth of all students, regardless of their status.

2. Services

• Academic Counseling
• Financial Aid Workshops
• Legal Aid
• Mental Health Services
• Know Your Rights Workshops
• Mentorship
• Campus events
• UndocuAlly Trainings

3. A brief (3m) video about Grads To Be at Fullerton College

4. UndocuAlly Training Series

• Bronze: Foundational Knowledge
• Silver: Becoming an UndocuAlly Educator
• Gold: Practicing UndocuAllyship
• Platinum: Special Topics
• Show your allyship by attending an UndocuAlly training and receive a decal, which serves to show students you have awareness of the undocumented student experience and have your support.

5. For updates on events and services, or to request a classroom presentation, visit the G2B website and connect with us:

Campus Location: Building 200, Room 212

Email: grads2be@fullcoll.edu

Phone: 714-992-7000 Ext. 24131

Instagram: www.instagram.com/g2bfullcoll

Canvas: https://fullcoll.instructure.com/courses/27248

• Student-led campus club for undocumented students that “empower through unity and education.”
• Visit FCU’s instagram for updates and meeting times

• Immigrants Rising
• United We Dream
• National Immigration Law Center
• College Board
• Mexican American Legal Defense Education Fund
• Pew Hispanic Center
• Public Policy Institute of California
• U Lead Network

• Movies
  • A Better Life (2011)
  • Breathin’: The Eddy Zheng Story (2016)
  • Documented (2013)
  • Don’t Tell Anyone (No Le Digas a Nadie) (2015)
  • Rocio (2018)
  • Sin Nombre (2009)
  • The Golden Dream (La jaula de oro) (2013)
  • The Infiltrators (2019)
  • The Sun is Also A Star (2019)
  • Under the Same Moon (2007)
  • Waking Dream (2018)

  Short Films

  • Halmoni (2016) – short film
  • I was Born in Mexico But… (2013) – short film
  • Inocente (2012) – short film
  • NBC Asian America Presents: Deported (2017) – short film

  Videos 

  • What It’s Like Growing Up Undocumented in America
  • Culture Strike
  • Define American
  • I Am An Immigrant: Immigrant Heritage Month
  • Immigrants Rising: Immigrant Hustle Spotlight
  • Immigrants Rising: Stories from “STILL WE RISE: An Evening of Revelation and Revelry”
  • Things I’ll Never Say
  • Dreamers Adrift: Undocumented and Awkward
  • Undocumented Tales
  • United We Dream: #Homeishere Series