What is the definition of an undocumented student?
Undocumented students are those who were born abroad and are not U.S. citizens or legal residents. Many came to the United States with their parents as young children.
What is the DACA program?
In 2012, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced that it would not deport certain undocumented youth who came to the United States as children. The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program was created to help undocumented young people (who meet certain requirements) gain temporary immigration protections, including a work permit and protection from deportation.
The most current government information on DACA can be found on the US Citizenship and Immigration Services website.
The National Immigration Law Center has a website for questions about Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.
How does SPU support undocumented students?
Multi-Ethnic Programs provides support for undocumented/DACA students:
- We provide a welcoming, inclusive, confidential space for students to ask questions and get information on campus and local resources.
- We provide one-on-one mentoring, drop-in conversations, and connection with other undocumented students and alumni.
In March 2017, SPU President Dan Martin joined other college leaders in asking President Trump to allow DACA students to continue working and studying in the United States as Congress debates new legislation on their status.
Online Resource Guide
This guide offers a starting point for understanding undocumented and DACA students through stories, FAQs, book recommendations, and more.