Undocumented & DACA Students

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

Website

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

UMass Dartmouth Undocumented Student Resources (PDF)