DACA & Undocumented Students

Definitions

DACA

DACA stands for "Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals."

DACA is a discretionary U.S. government policy established on June 15, 2012 by former President Barack Obama. The program protects eligible immigrant youth who came to the U.S. before the age of 16 from deportation. DACA provides such individuals with a social security number and a work permit, which can be used until the expiration date listed on approved documents from USCIS. The program expires after two years, but is renewable. 

Undocumented

Undocumented refers to the status an individual born outside of the U.S. who currently does not have legal authorization to be or remain in the U.S. This includes those who never had permission to be in the U.S. or their visa has expired or became invalid.

Student Privacy & Confidentiality 

Citizenship and immigration status is confidential and held in strict confidence to the extent permitted by law. This means Lawrence will not release student records protected by FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) except when legally required to do so. 

In general, faculty and staff do not know any student's citizenship or immigration status unless a student chooses to disclose it. 

Admission to Lawrence

Lawrence admits students without regard to immigration status. Application requirements are the same as domestic students.

Financial Aid Eligibility

Both undocumented and DACA students are eligible for institutional aid, which includes university scholarships and grants.

Undocumented and DACA applicants are not eligible to apply for FAFSA, unless the student is a U.S. citizen of an undocumented parent. If you are a DACA or undocumented applicant, complete a College Scholarship Service (CSS) profile or the Lawrence University Supplemental Financial Aid Application.

External Resources 

• ACLU: Know Your Rights  

• American Bar Association: Commission on Immigration: Directs efforts to ensure fair treatment and full due process rights for immigrants, asylum-seekers, and refugees within the U.S. 

• American Immigration Lawyers Association: Locate an immigration lawyer by location. 

• College Board Repository of Information for Undocumented Students 

• Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA): Find important information about DACA requests 

• Educators for Fair Consideration E4FC: Educate yourself about your DACA status and what next steps may be necessary. 

• iAmerica: A national campaign to offer information tools and interactive opportunities for immigrants and their families to become full participants in our democracy. 

• National Immigration Justice Center: Dedicated to ensuring human rights protections and access to justice for all immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. 

• National Immigration Law Center: Everyone has certain basic rights, no matter who is president. 

• My Undocumented Life: Information and resources for undocumented students.  

• United We Dream: An organization that works to address inequities faced by immigrant youth. 

• US Citizenship and Immigration Services : Find information on requesting consideration of DACA arrivals