Resources
Definitions
DACA beneficiary
a recipient of United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) documents showing classification as an individual with “deferred action”, i.e. protection from deportation, on approved Form I-821D valid for 2 years. DACA beneficiaries also may have an approved employment authorization document (EAD) valid for a 2 years. DACA beneficiaries have protection from deportation and work authorization for the duration of their validity period. DACA beneficiaries do not have legal immigration status in the U.S.
DREAMER
an individual brought to the U.S. without legal documents at a young age. DREAMERS is the umbrella term for undocumented individuals who came to the US “illegally” as children. Not all DREAMERS applied for DACA; as such they remain unreported to federal government. Depending on if/how Congress acts, legislation may be passed to codify DACA in the law (limited relief to DACA recipients only) or to normalize all DREAMERS.
Individuals in legal immigration status
Those who entered the U.S. with legal permission and inspection. Examples include legal permanent residents, refugees and asylees, and those in temporary immigration status such as F-1, J-1, H-1B, TN, etc.
Information
The information provided does not represent an endorsement by the University. You are encouraged to make your own decision based on the particulars of your personal situation. We also recommend that you check the Massachusetts Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service, http://www.massbar.org/for-the-public/need-a-lawyer.
Any interaction with law enforcement local/state/federal may result in ICE initiating deporation proceedings. Potential impact on DACA student participation in political rallies and advocacy efforts that may bring them into contact with law enforcement.
Note: International students & scholars on UMass Dartmouth issued F-1, J-1, or OPT/STEM immigration documentation, should contact the International Students & Scholars Center (ISSC) for assistance and resources.
UMass FAQ on DACA and DREAMER Rescission
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on DACA and DREAMER Rescission
- 2017 Rescission Announcement-What It Means
On-campus confidential resources
Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Associate Vice Chancellor Deborah Majewski
Foster Administration Building, Room 324
508.999-8008
Local Immigration Clinic
UMass Dartmouth Law Immigration Clinic
333 Faunce Corner Road
Dartmouth, MA 02747
508.985.1149
cdesirey@umassd.edu
Offered by reputable Boston area immigration attorneys
Fee: Free; donations accepted
http://www.iiicenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Legal-Clinic-2016-English-Updated-OctNov-2016.pdf
DACA Scholarships and clinics for renewal applications
Apply now for DACA Renewal Scholarships
Funding for DACA $495 filing fee
DACA NEWS from AILA (American Immigration Lawyer’s Association)
1. Mission Asset Fund (MAF) will provide $1,000,000 in scholarships to 2,000+ Dreamers to pay for DACA renewals by the October 5 deadline. Between now and the October 5 deadline, MAF will provide 2,000 Dreamers with scholarships of $495 to renew their DACA permit. Capital to finance these scholarships come from the DACA Renewal Fund, launched last week with growing support from the philanthropic community. For more information please visit: https://missionassetfund.org/daca-renewal-scholarships.
2. AILA New England and the City of Boston are putting together an immigration clinic that will focus on DACA-related issues. The clinic will take place on Wednesday, September 20, between 12 and 2:30pm, at the Mayor's Office for Immigrant advancement (City Hall, Room 806). There will be AILA Attorneys on site to provide advice regarding DACA renewals and other DACA-related issues. Many thanks to our hard-working Pro Bono Project Committee for setting it up! More information: https://www.masslegalservices.org/daca-community-workshops/calendar.
Additional resources and information
- Federal Delegation DACA Letter (PDF)
- Statements regarding DACA: Chancellor Johnson, President Meehan, other UMass chancellors respond to rescinding of DACA
- Undergraduate Admissions information for Undocumented & DACA students
- UMassD Immigration Info
- 2017 Rescission Announcement-What It Means
- Know your Rights handout from PAIR (Political Asylum Immigration Representation)
- Red Card (Resource for Undocumented)
- What to do if stopped by Police, Immigration or FBI
- U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS)
- American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
- Brookings Institute
- Center for American Progress
- Educators for Fair Consideration (EF4C)
- Migration Policy Institute (MPI)
- My Undocumented Life
- National Immigration Law Center (Nile)
- National Iranian American Council
- Own the Dream
- United We Dream
American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)
http://www.ailalawyer.org - immigration attorney search
Graves & Doyle Attorneys at Law
100 State Street, 9th floor Boston, MA 02109
Phone: 617-542-6400
www.gravesanddoyle.com
Justice Bridge - handles Immigration cases
New Bedford Office
257-259 Union Street, New Bedford, MA 02740
Phone: 508-449-9296
info@justice-bridge.org
landoli Desai & Cronin P.C.
38 Third Ave, Suite 100, Boston, MA 02129
Boston office: 617-482·1010
Worcester office: 508-754-4100
iandoli@iandoli.com
www.iandoli.com
Law Office of Val C Ribeiro
170 Pleasant St - Ste 101, Fall River, MA 02721
Phone: (508) 689-4773
http://vribeirolaw.com/
Savitz Law Offices, P.C.
6 Beacon Street, Ste. 900, Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 617-723-7111
www.immigrationoptions.com
Ellen Susser Keif
One Federal Street, Boston, MA 02196
Phone: 617-482-0200
http://www.kieflaw.com/attorney_profile
Adrienne Vaughan
1895 Centre Street, W. Roxbury, MA 02132
Phone: 617-840-8515
http://ajvimmigrationlaw.com/
Email: adriennejv@ajvimmigrationlaw.com
Law Office of Jennifer L. Velarde
345 Union Street Room 7, New Bedford, MA 02740
Phone (508) 996-0600
http://www.jenvelardelaw.com/
Law Office of Watt & Sylvia
628 Pleasant street, New Bedford, MA 02740
Phone: 508·984-1470
Attorneys Specializing in Criminal Matters for Visa Holders
Anthony Drago Jr.
35 India Street, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02110
Phone: 617-357-0400
http://dragolaw.com/
Leonore Glaser
45 Bromfield Street, Suite 500, Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 617·742-5800
http://www.lglaserlaw.com/
Catholic Charities of Providence
Office of Immigration and Refugee Services 1 Cathedral Square
Providence, RI 02903
Phone: 401-421-7833 ext. 229
www.dioceseofprovidence.org
scarrera@dioceseofprovidence.org
Catholic Charities of Providence
Project Hope/Proyecto Esperanza
474 Broadway, Pawtucket, RI 02860
Phone: 401-728-0515
www.dioceseofprovidence.org
Catholic Social Services of Fall River
Immigrant, Law, Education and Advocacy
1600 Bay Street, Fall River, MA 02724
Phone: 508·674-4681
www.cssdioc.org
Dorcas International Institute of RI
Citizenship and Immigration Services
645 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, RI 02907
Phone: 401-461-5940
www.diiri.org
bsukys@diiri.org
Immigrant Assistance Center
58 Crapo Street, Unit 1
New Bedford, MA 02740
Phone: 508·996-8113
http://www.immigrantsassistancecenter.org/
Massachusetts Immigrant Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition
105 Chauncy Street, Suite 901
Boston, MA 02111
Phone: 617-350-5480
www.miracoalition.org
Progreso Latino Inc.
626 Broad Street, Central Falls, RI 02863
Phone: 401-728-5920
www.progresolatino.org
jvasquez@progresolatino.org
Sojourner House
386 Smith Street, Providence, RI 02908
Phone: 401&861-6191
www.sojournerri.org
ggreenfield@sojournerri.org