I AM and SummerTIME | Student Resources

Legal information and support

What is DACA?

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is an immigration policy that protects eligible immigrant youth who came to the United States when they were children from deportation.

• Get answers to your questions about DACA from the Undocumented Student Program at University of California, Berkeley. This website has up-to-date advice and information about if, when, and how to apply for or renew your DACA.

• Learn the difference between DACA and the California Dream Act from this infographic created by the Pullias Center. Keep in mind the California Dream Act, which is state law, is different from the federal DREAM Act, which is not yet a law.

• Find out what your legal options are by completing Immigrants Rising’s anonymous online Immigration Legal Intake Service.

• Read the latest DACA news from the National Immigration Law Center.

For USC students

• USC Gould Immigrant Legal Assistance Center provides free, confidential consultations, legal assistance, and referrals to USC students and family members who may be at risk of deportation, who may be eligible to apply for immigration status, or who have questions about their legal status and legal rights under the immigration laws.

• USC Undergraduate Student Government Undocumented Student Guide offers helpful information for both continuing and prospective USC students.

Financial information and support

Undocumented students have a number of financial aid opportunities to help fund their studies.

• The California Dream Act allows some undocumented and nonresident students interested in attending California colleges and universities to apply for state financial aid, such as Cal Grants (see below). Read the California Dream Act FAQ to find out if you’re eligible.
  • Learn the difference between DACA and the California Dream Act from this infographic created by the Pullias Center.
  • Keep in mind the California Dream Act, which is state law, is different from the federal DREAM Act, which is not yet a law.

• A Cal Grant is money for college given from the State of California to eligible students who are pursuing an undergraduate degree or vocational or career training. Cal Grants do not have to be repaid. Some undocumented and nonresident students are eligible to receive Cal Grants.

• The California DREAM Loan Program provides eligible undocumented undergraduates with the option to borrow loans to help cover the cost of attending a University of California.

• TheDream.US offers scholarships to eligible undocumented students to support them in pursuing an associates or bachelor’s degree.

Other resources

• Undocumented Student Resources Campus Map. Created by the Campaign for College Opportunity, this map has information about campus centers and support programs for undocumented students at California colleges and universities.

• Immigrants Rising. This organization offers resources and support to help undocumented young people get an education, pursue careers, and build a brighter future for themselves and their community.

• UnidosUS. This organization offers the Hispanic community tools and information to support the rights of all, regardless of immigration status.

• Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights. This organization provides information and tools to support immigrants and offers immigration legal services at low-cost to its members.

• United We Dream. This immigrant youth-led community offers guides and toolkits to help protect immigrants.

• My Undocumented Life. This blog provides up-to-date information and resources—including scholarship opportunities and DACA updates—for undocumented immigrants.

• My Higher Ed Story. This project of the Pullias Center gives voice to the stories of underrepresented individuals in higher education. Add your story to the project.

The Pullias Center is a proud member of the California Undocumented Higher Education Coalition, which works to strengthen California’s workforce and economy by ensuring college access and success for undocumented youth in the state.

• Find out about the Chafee Education and Training Voucher Program (ETV) for current and former foster youth. ETVs are grants of up to $5,000 per school year for eligible youth likely to age out of foster care. Funded by the federal government and administered in California by the Department of Social Services, ETVs can be used for education and related expenses, such as transportation, rent and child care.
• Learn about housing and education programs for foster youth from United Friends of the Children. This organization helps foster youth from ages 18 to 24 graduate high school and attend a four-year college.
• Look for Guardian Scholars Programs that provide comprehensive support services to former foster youth to assist them with their goals in higher education. These programs, which offer a full financial aid package and housing along with other services, are available at a growing number of colleges and universities. Check in with your college to learn how you can apply to this program.

Get answers to your questions about federal student aid for homeless youth from this FAQ created by the U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid office.