Resources for DREAMers Attending College
By Guadalupe Cruz, KIPP Through College, College Success Manager and Counselor
The recent court ruling requiring the federal government to restart the DACA program and begin accepting new applications is a positive development for DREAMers. But until there is a long-term solution in place, many DREAMers face uncertainty, especially those making important college decisions. With that in mind, we wanted to share some helpful resources and guidance for DREAMers attending or preparing for college.
At KIPP, we make a promise to every child who enrolls that we will help them reach their highest potential regardless of their background and immigration status. I have spent the past three years at KIPP LA as a college success counselor and manager. During this time, I have counseled at least 25 DACA recipients. At the beginning of my career with KIPP LA, I saw these students full of hope and excitement, but now I see them confused and afraid. One of my brightest college students should be fully focused on obtaining her political science degree, but instead she is contemplating whether or not she will have a permit when she graduates next year.
Much of their confusion and fear comes from the multiple legislative orders for and against DACA, as well as outdated information on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website. It is very important that students who are DACA recipients know their rights. If you are a returning applicant of DACA, you are eligible to renew your status now. You may also be eligible for financial aid in the state of California through state grants, in-state tuition, financial aid resources, and the CA DREAM Act. Please note that action taken at the federal level does not affect the ability to qualify for benefits through the CA DREAM Act. There is still confusion around this, as the CA DREAM Act saw new applications decline by over 20,000 in the past year.
Additionally, it is important that DREAMers choose colleges that are DACA-friendly institutions. In California, the CSUs, UCs, and many community colleges have DREAM Resource Centers on campus that provide access to professional support like counselors, attorneys, and financial aid to cover DACA application fees. On the other hand, there are some colleges in certain states that do not allow undocumented student to attend and do not provide in-state tuition or financial support.
Students should also utilize the resources in their own community. FWD.us, ACLU, and CHIRLA are great resources, as well as the Family Preparedness section of the KIPP LA website. Bankrate has compiled a list of five steps DREAMers can take in preparing their finances for an uncertain future. CHIRLA offers the Wise Up! Program and CA Dream Network to develop student leadership skills and help liberate others who have yet to liberate themselves. CHIRLA also offers full coverage for DACA renewals, including legal consultation and application fees. You can become an advocate for yourself and your community by partnering with these organizations.
DREAMers, we stand by you and will not give up on this fight. We are committed to supporting you as you pursue your college and career goals. Keep dreaming!
