Savanna Hoffman
Undocumented students face unique challenges when navigating their career journeys. While some universities offer support and resources to help undocumented students find jobs and internships, the process can still be confusing and stressful. This is especially true when deciding when and how to disclose their immigration status to potential employers. Universities like Georgetown, Northwestern, and George Mason have dedicated staff and departments to help undocumented students explore career opportunities and prepare for life after graduation. They also provide guidance on alternative income generation opportunities, such as independent contracting or starting a business.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Support for undocumented students | Georgetown University, Northwestern University, and George Mason University all offer support for undocumented students navigating the career search |
| Career exploration | Students can work with a counsellor to clarify their career goals and interests |
| Industry advising | Advisors can help students identify employers for whom U.S. citizenship or permanent residency may not be a requirement |
| Skill-building experiences | Shadowing professionals, leadership roles in student groups, community organizing, study abroad (with DACA) |
| Financial support | Some universities offer scholarships for undocumented students |
| DACA and alternative employment options | Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) provides temporary relief from deportation and work authorization; undocumented people without DACA can pursue careers and incomes by owning their own business, independent contracting, and worker cooperatives |
| Disclosing immigration status | Students ultimately get to decide whether or not to share their status; DACA and TPS students only need to let employers know that they have work authorization |
What You'll Learn
Career exploration appointments
Many universities offer career services and resources to support undocumented students in their job search. These services are designed to help students explore career opportunities, navigate the unique challenges they may face, and connect with employers who may not require U.S. citizenship or permanent residency.
At universities like Georgetown University and Northwestern University, undocumented students can schedule career exploration appointments with dedicated staff or counsellors. These appointments offer a confidential and collaborative space to discuss career goals, interests, skills, and values. Counsellors can provide guidance on internships, graduate school options, and developing a plan for the future. They can also assist students in exploring alternative career pathways, such as entrepreneurship, independent contracting, and worker cooperatives.
Skill-building and Experience:
Universities often emphasize the importance of skill-building experiences to prepare for life after graduation. This can include various activities such as shadowing professionals, taking on leadership roles in student groups, community organizing, and participating in study abroad programs (with DACA). Some universities offer specific programs, like the NEXT Externship Job Shadowing Program or the Northwestern Network Mentor Program, to help students gain valuable experience.
Finding Opportunities:
Career centres at universities can direct students to job and internship resources. For example, George Mason University has a database called Handshake, which includes jobs and internships for students. They also provide information on alternative options for gaining experience, such as funded research projects, paid service projects, and internships with immigrant-friendly employers. Additionally, universities may offer guidance on networking and building connections with other students and alumni who have navigated the hiring process as undocumented individuals.
Disclosing Immigration Status:
Undocumented students often face the challenge of deciding when and how to disclose their immigration status during the job search and hiring process. Career centres can provide support and strategies for these situations. While it is important to provide true and authentic information, students ultimately have the right to choose whether or not to share their status. Counsellors can advise on disclosing status at different points, such as in a personal statement or during an interview, and help students understand their rights and responsibilities.
Graduate School Options:
For those considering graduate school, career centres can provide information on funding opportunities and application processes. Many graduate schools offer financial assistance through research or teaching assistantships, as well as scholarships. Additionally, resources like My (Un)Documented Life offer tips and scholarships specifically for undocumented students applying to graduate programs.
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Internships and job opportunities
Many universities offer career services and resources to help undocumented students find internships and job opportunities. These services are often confidential and can be accessed by booking an appointment with a staff member.
At Georgetown University, the Cawley Career Education Center offers career exploration appointments, where students can meet with a counsellor to clarify their career goals and interests. The centre also provides industry advising appointments to help students explore internship and job opportunities in various fields, including health and sciences, law, government, nonprofit, business, education, technology, and creative areas. Counsellors can assist students in identifying opportunities and employers that do not require U.S. citizenship or permanent residency.
Northwestern University's Northwestern Career Advancement (NCA) is another example of a university providing career resources for undocumented students. The NCA offers guidance on navigating the career planning process and finding skill-building experiences, such as job shadowing, mentorship programs, and research opportunities. They also provide information on alternative avenues for gaining professional experience, such as independent contracting or starting a business.
George Mason University's University Career Services advises students on career readiness and graduate school preparation, regardless of documentation or citizenship. They provide resources for finding internships and paid experiences, such as research projects, service projects, and immigrant-friendly employers. The university also offers guidance on entrepreneurship and independent contracting, and students can access support and resources for starting their own businesses.
In addition to university-specific resources, there are external organisations and websites that provide information on career pathways and income generation for undocumented students. The Presidents' Alliance, for example, offers a compilation of materials, recordings, and presentations geared towards undocumented students exploring alternative income generation opportunities. Immigrants Rising is another organisation that provides resources and support for undocumented youth, including a guide for life after college and educational materials.
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Disclosing undocumented status to employers
If you feel comfortable, you may decide to share your status with an organization early in the hiring process or during an interview. This can help to initiate a discussion about how to proceed. It is worth considering who you would want to disclose to (e.g. a recruiter or a supervisor) and in what manner (e.g. in a personal statement or during an interview). If you are unsure about whether and how to disclose your status, you can seek guidance from a career counselor or adviser at your university. They can offer support and strategies for navigating these conversations.
When completing job applications, you may be asked about your work authorization, but you are not required to explain your legal or citizenship status. If you have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or Temporary Protected Status (TPS), you can answer "yes" to the question, "Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?" without disclosing additional details about your background.
It is important to be aware of your rights and responsibilities when making decisions about disclosure. For instance, once hired, employers should not inquire about how you obtained your work permit. Additionally, if you have DACA or TPS, you only need to inform employers that you have work authorization, and it is your choice whether or not to disclose your immigration status.
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DACA and alternative employment options
DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) provides temporary relief from deportation and work authorization for individuals who entered the U.S. as children and meet certain guidelines. However, with DACA's future uncertain due to past efforts by the Trump administration to end the program, exploring alternative employment pathways is essential for those who are undocumented.
Understanding DACA
DACA was established during the Obama administration in 2012, offering "Dreamers" renewable two-year permits to work and study legally in the U.S. Despite its benefits, DACA does not provide a direct route to permanent residency or citizenship. The program has faced legal challenges, adding complexity to the immigration status discussions.
Alternative Employment Options
Employment-Based Visas
Employment-based visas are an option for individuals with specific skills or job offers. Examples include the H-1B visa, which requires a Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a particular field, and employment-based green cards. These visas typically require meeting certain qualifications and often start with a job offer from a U.S. employer.
Family-Based Petitions
U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can sponsor undocumented relatives, providing a path to residency through family sponsorship.
Marriage Green Card
Marriage to a U.S. citizen is another route to pursue a marriage-based green card. This adjustment of status allows eligible individuals to apply without leaving the country, provided they meet the necessary criteria.
Advance Parole
Although it does not grant legal status, advance parole enables temporary travel outside the U.S. while maintaining lawful status, supporting those with family or work commitments abroad.
Educational Opportunities
Undocumented students may access scholarships, in-state tuition rates, and financial aid in some states. Work permits for students are also available in specific circumstances, allowing them to work legally while studying.
Special Immigration Juvenile Status (SIJS)
SIJS is designed for undocumented minors who have experienced abuse, neglect, or abandonment, offering them a path to legal residency and permanent residence.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
TPS offers temporary refuge for individuals from countries affected by severe situations, such as armed conflict or natural disasters. While it does not lead to permanent residency, TPS allows individuals to live and work in the U.S. without the threat of deportation.
U Visa for Crime Victims
The U Visa provides temporary legal status and work authorization for victims of certain crimes, such as human trafficking or domestic violence, who assist in the investigation or prosecution of the crime. This visa offers a path to residency and eventual citizenship.
Undocumented individuals have various alternative employment options beyond DACA. These pathways can provide hope and a stable future, allowing individuals to make informed decisions about their immigration journey. However, each route involves complex legal processes, and seeking professional assistance from immigration lawyers or consulting university career centres can be beneficial.
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Graduate school and scholarships
There are many graduate school scholarships available for undocumented students. For example, the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) offers a fee waiver for the LSAT for candidates who are unable to pay for the test. Students with DACA or those who have applied for DACA can apply for this fee waiver. The Paul and Daisy Soros Graduate Fellowship is another scholarship open to undocumented students. TheDream.US is the nation's largest college access and success program for DREAMers, and they also offer scholarships. The Latino Medical Student Association has a scholarship for pre-medical students interested in advancing healthcare and education for Latino and underserved communities, and students are eligible to apply regardless of immigration status. My (Un)Documented Life also has a list of scholarships open to undocumented students.
Additionally, graduate schools often offer funding to help with the cost of graduate school. Some financial assistance comes in the form of research or teaching assistantships, and some programs offer scholarships for incoming students.
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Frequently asked questions
Universities such as Northwestern University and Georgetown University offer career resources and support for undocumented students. These include confidential career exploration appointments, industry advising appointments, and guidance on disclosing one's undocumented status to employers.
Yes, undocumented students can find paid work opportunities at universities. For example, George Mason University offers paid positions through its Civic Fellows Program and Engaged Summer Program.
Yes, universities like George Mason University provide databases of jobs and internships, such as Handshake, where DACA and TPS students with an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card may apply to most positions. Additionally, universities offer guidance on finding immigrant-friendly employers and navigating the application process.
Undocumented students without work authorization can explore alternative career paths such as entrepreneurship, independent contracting, and worker cooperatives. They can also pursue graduate school and take advantage of funding opportunities, including research or teaching assistantships and scholarships.
Undocumented students face the challenging decision of whether or not to disclose their status during the job search. While it is important to provide authentic information, students ultimately have the right to choose when and with whom to share their status. They can seek guidance from career counselors at their university to navigate this process effectively.
