Lori Meadows
DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) students are undocumented school-age immigrants who live in the US after entering the country without inspection or overstaying their visas. DACA students are considered first-generation students and are eligible for work authorization. They are considered applicants for admission and may be subject to removal proceedings. Whether DACA students are considered international or US freshmen depends on the state and the school's policies. Some count them as international, while others count them as residential. DACA students are eligible for financial aid and can apply for internships and programs that do not require US citizenship.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Status | DACA students are considered undocumented students |
| Application Process | DACA students should follow the same application process as undocumented students |
| Citizenship Status | Non-US Citizen |
| Visa Requirements | DACA permits students to study without a separate visa |
| Tuition Fees | Domestic tuition fees |
| Work Opportunities | DACA students with a valid EAD can work on-campus |
| Study Abroad | DACA students with Advanced Parole have been able to study abroad |
| Tax Status | DACA students may be considered residents for tax purposes |
| Financial Aid | Financial aid policies are the same for DACA students as for all admitted students |
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What You'll Learn
DACAmented students are considered undocumented
Whether a DACAmented student is considered a freshman international or freshman US student depends on the state and the school's policies. Some schools count DACAmented students as international, while others count them as domestic students. DACAmented students are considered undocumented, even if they have a social security number and/or an Employment Authorization Card.
DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, is a program that protects certain undocumented immigrants who came to the US as children. It provides them with a two-year renewable work permit and protection from deportation. DACA is not a path to citizenship and can be revoked by the federal government.
There are currently more than 408,000 undocumented students enrolled in post-secondary education in the US, representing about 1.9% of all post-secondary students. However, less than half of these students are eligible for or benefit from DACA. The DACA program has faced numerous legal challenges since its inception in 2012, and by 2025, no undocumented high school graduates will be eligible for DACA under the current rules.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the DACA program, there are resources available to support DACAmented students in their educational pursuits. For example, Southern Oregon University (SOU) offers a network of support for DACA and undocumented students, including access to experts, lawyers, and financial aid. SOU's admissions policies do not consider citizenship or immigration status, and undocumented students can apply for admission by submitting the Tuition Equity Form.
Yale University also has a network of support for DACA and undocumented students, including legal consultations through the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS). Yale's financial aid policies are the same for undocumented students (with or without DACA) as they are for all admitted students. Additionally, DACAmented students with valid EAD cards may apply for most internships and programs, except those that require US citizenship.
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DACA status does not guarantee re-entry to the US
DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, is a program that protects certain undocumented immigrants who came to the US as children, providing them with a two-year renewable work permit and protection from deportation. DACA status does not, however, guarantee re-entry to the US.
DACAmented individuals can apply for specific permission to leave and re-enter the United States for employment, humanitarian, and educational reasons, including studying abroad on approved university programs, using a travel document known as Advance Parole. Despite possessing this advance permission to return to the United States, a returning DACA recipient is considered an applicant for admission and could still be subject to removal proceedings based upon applicable grounds of inadmissibility.
The fact that the Advance Parole document was issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) does not mean that it can be safely used by all DACA students. Depending on the DACA student’s specific immigration history, departure from the U.S. and attempted use of an Advance Parole Document may not result in their successful return to the U.S. and could have serious negative consequences for their future immigration process. The law relating to travel on Advance Parole for DACA students is complicated, and students are encouraged to seek counsel with an immigration attorney before considering this as an option.
Additionally, DACA recipients who depart the United States without first obtaining advance parole but who are paroled into the United States may resume their DACA upon the expiration of the period of parole. DACA status can be terminated for DACA recipients who depart from the United States without first obtaining an advance parole document and subsequently enter the United States without inspection.
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DACA students are eligible for internships and on-campus work
The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program protects undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as children, providing them with a two-year renewable work permit and deportation protection. DACA students are eligible for internships and on-campus work.
DACA recipients are eligible to work in paid internships and other employment opportunities but are not eligible for federal work-study. Undocumented students without DACA can participate in unpaid internships and job shadowing. DACA students are not required to disclose their status to the university system or faculty/staff. However, they may be asked to prove their eligibility to work in the U.S. during the application process.
DACA students must hold a current, valid employment authorization card or work permit. Employers may require DACA-eligible individuals to complete an I-9 form to verify their identity and work authorization. An employer is not legally allowed to ask about a candidate's citizenship status. If asked about citizenship status, a DACA recipient may reply that they are eligible to be employed.
There are several resources available for DACA students to find internships and on-campus work. The EWU Career Center provides a list of resources to assist with understanding employment rights and job and internship searches. The Presidents' Alliance Dream Toolkit is geared for college and university campuses to share resources and opportunities for advocacy on behalf of DACA recipients. United We Dream is the largest immigrant youth-led community in the country, creating welcoming spaces for young people regardless of immigration status.
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DACAmented students can study abroad with Advance Parole
Whether a DACAmented student is considered a freshman international or freshman US student depends on the state they are in and the school's policies. Some schools count DACAmented students as international, while others count them as residential.
DACAmented students, also known as DREAMers, can study abroad with Advance Parole. Advance Parole is a document that allows DACAmented students to leave the United States for educational purposes and return without compromising their immigration status. The process for obtaining Advance Parole can be complicated, and students are encouraged to seek legal counsel before initiating it.
To obtain Advance Parole, students must first discuss their circumstances with legal counsel and decide that they want to participate in a Global Education program. They should then attend a Study Abroad 101 Information Session to learn about the basics of such programs. Next, they should research programs on the Global Education Office website to determine which ones are relevant to their education. Once they have a few destinations in mind, they should meet with an International Coordinator in the Global Education Office to discuss the application process, university compliance procedures, costs, and visas.
It is important to note that even with Advance Parole, re-entry to the United States is not guaranteed. Additionally, the use of Advance Parole may have negative consequences for the student's future immigration process. Students should carefully consider their specific circumstances and seek legal advice before making any decisions about studying abroad.
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DACAmented students are eligible for financial aid at Yale
DACA, or the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, is a program that protects certain undocumented immigrants who came to the US as children. DACA provides these individuals with a two-year, renewable work permit and protection from deportation. Despite this protection, DACA recipients are still considered applicants for admission and may be subject to removal proceedings.
The eligibility for financial aid at Yale for DACAmented students is in line with the university's commitment to a diverse community and equal opportunity. Yale provides a network of support for DACA and undocumented students, including access to experts, lawyers, and financial support. The university's Office of International Students & Scholars (OISS) is a resource for students to learn more about their admissions policies and financial aid opportunities.
Additionally, DACAmented students at Yale have access to internship and post-graduation opportunities through the Office of Career Strategy (OCS). DACA students with a valid EAD card may apply for most internships and programs, except those that require US citizenship. Yale's commitment to accessibility and its range of resources for DACAmented students demonstrate that the university strives to support these students in their academic and professional pursuits.
While DACAmented students can find support and financial aid opportunities at Yale, it is important to note that the legal landscape surrounding DACA is complex and ever-evolving. Seeking legal counsel is recommended for individuals with specific questions or concerns about their rights and opportunities as DACAmented students.
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Frequently asked questions
DACA stands for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. DACA students are school-age immigrants who live in the United States after entering the country without inspection or overstaying their visas. DACA protects certain undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as children, providing them with a two-year renewable work permit and protection from deportation.
Whether DACA students are considered international or not depends on the state and the school they are applying to. Some schools count DACA as international, while others count them as domestic students.
No, DACA students do not need a separate visa as DACA permits them to study.
Financial aid policies vary depending on the school. Yale University's financial aid policies are the same for undocumented students with or without DACA as they are for all admitted students.
