Undocumented Students Resources

Community Resources

  • Immigrants Rising — empower undocumented young people to achieve educational and career goals through personal, institutional, and policy transformation. Support with scholarships, legal help & mental health wellness for undocumented students.

  • The Center for Cultural Power  —  a Woman of Color artist-led organization supporting and inspiring artists and culture makers through art, creativity, bio-cultural diversity, truth-telling, regenerative relationships, transformation, and Joy.

  • Korean Community Center of the East Bay — empowers immigrants in the Bay Area through access to education, services, resources, and advocacy.

  • United We Dream — an immigrant youth-led community supporting, engaging, and empowering to make voices heard.

  • UndocuBlack Network — a multigenerational network fostering community and access to resources.

  • Richmond Community Foundation Connects (RCF Connects) — a leading motivator in Contra Costa County in philanthropy and community change to build healthy, thriving communities.

  • Catholic Charities of the East Bay — a family support services, housing services, mental health, and immigration legal services in East Bay.

  • International Rescue Committee — helps people affected by humanitarian crises—including the climate crisis—survive, recover and rebuild their lives. Support with citizenship questions and applications.

  • The Unity Council — a Non-profit-Social Equity Development Corporation in Fruitvale, Oakland, empowers families and communities by providing tools, knowledge, and resources.

  • Monument Impact — assists immigrants, refugees, and low-income residents in Concord and surrounding communities through advocacy, tools, and resources.

  • Familias Unidas — offers counseling and information center/referral services.

  • Carecen SF (Central American Resource Center) — provides advocacy for immigrant rights, juvenile justice, and Latinx health.

Other Resources

  • #UNDOCUHUSTLE — Immigrants Rising provides resources on entrepreneurship and freelancing, including planning, how to get started, financing, and marketing a business.

  • Social Entrepreneurship — Immigrants Rising provides basic facts, funding opportunities, frequently asked questions, and additional resources on Social Entrepreneurship.

  • UndocuJoy (Video) — A short video created by, Define American tells a story inspired by a poem by local artist Yosimar Reyes. The video encourages undocumented Americans to share their authentic moments of joy, and allies are encouraged to spread their message.

  • CADAA For Mixed-Status Families — Guidance for students who are from Mixed-Status families that are applying for financial aid.

Legal Resources for Undocumented Students

California Community College Students have access to free immigration legal services. If you need to schedule an appointment for free legal services, don’t hesitate to contact one of the following advocate groups.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The term “DREAMer” describes young undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children. These young adults have lived and gone to school here and, in many cases, identify as American and consider the United States their home.

  • The term “DREAMer” originated from The Federal Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act. The Federal Dream Act aims to create a pathway to citizenship for undocumented youth who grew up in the United States.

    First introduced to Congress in 2001, the Federal Dream Act has not yet passed into law. Young undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children do not have pathways to citizenship. Although pathways to citizenship are not available for undocumented youth, some states (like California) passed their versions of the DREAM Act.

    The California Dream Act was passed in 2011. It enabled eligible undocumented students to receive state-funded financial aid and privately funded scholarships. The California Dream Act does not deal with immigration or pathways to citizenship. It is only to receive state financial aid.

  • Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) grants eligible undocumented youth a 2-year renewable temporary relief from deportation and a social security number for work authorization. DACA does not currently provide a long-term pathway to citizenship and is unrelated to the California Dream Act. Students do not have to be DACA eligible to apply for the California Dream Act and vice versa— each program has its unique eligibility criteria.

  • Undocumented students are not eligible to apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or receive any federally funded student financial aid, including Pell Grant, SEOG Grant, work-study, and student loans. Students who receive a social security number from Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) are not eligible to apply for FAFSA.