Undocumented Student Liaison

1. Undocumented Student Liaison • Ms. Villafuerte, Counselor • svillafuerte@cps.edu • In the College and Career Center

2. The Undocumented Student An Overview

3. What is an Undocumented Student? • An undocumented student is a student who came to the United States illegally. • Most undocumented students were brought to the United States by their parents • Each year, approximately 65,000 undocumented students graduate high school. • Only about 5-10% pursue a college education-U.S. News and World Report

4. Undocumented= Dreamer • Dreamer is the most commonly used term for undocumented students in recent times • Undocumented and Unafraid is a slogan Dreamers have been using to empower themselves to speak up about their status, advocate for rights and ask for support

5. Attending College as a Dreamer • There are NO obstacles to being accepted to a college or university due to status

6. Illinois In-State Tuition

7. Who is eligible to benefit from HB60 Higher Education In-State Tuition? • In order to qualify for HB60 In-State Tuition rates (at public Illinois colleges or universities) under HB 60, undocumented student must meet the following requirements: • student has resided in Illinois with his/her parent or guardian while attending public or private high school; • student has graduated from an Illinois public or private high school or received a GED from Illinois; • student has attended an Illinois high school for at least three (3) years; • student has registered to enter a university no earlier than fall 2003 semester; and • student provides the university with an affidavit stating he/she will file an application to become a permanent resident of the U.S. once he/she becomes eligible to do so • This HB60 law also provides the U.S. citizens and permanent residents who meet these requirements but no longer live in the state the ability to qualify for the same tuition rate.

8. Illinois Dream Act • Signed on August 1, 2011 by Gov. Quinn • Appoint an Illinois DREAM Commission • Establish an Illinois DREAM Fund • Amend Section 529 Prepaid and Savings Plans • Require Professional Development for School Personnel

9. Paying for College • Private scholarships • University Scholarships • Private funds • Private loans • Various organizations offer lists such as: • www.jaofoundation.org or www.chooseyourfuture.org

10. Undocumented Students DO NOT Qualify for FAFSA • Undocumented students must never apply for FAFSA even if they have an ITIN number • LEGAL RESIDENT STUDENTS WHOSE PARENTS ARE UNDOCUMENTED CAN AND SHOULD APPLY FOR FAFSA.

11. Deferred Action • As of June 15, 2012 the Obama administration created a new policy of deferred action that would apply to undocumented youth • Previously this was only applied to people in deportation proceedings. • The application became available August 15, 2012 • This is NOT the Dream Act

12. What is Deferred Action? • Deferred Action is a discretionary determination to defer removal action of an individual as an act of prosecutorial discretion. Individuals who receive deferred action will not be placed into removal proceedings or removed from the United States for a specified period of time. • Students can also apply for a work permit using a separate form.

13. Deferred Action FAQs • Is this the Dream Act? • No. We need to keep working together to achieve a comprehensive immigration reform for students and their families alike. • How Can I get an Application? • The application is available online at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Office @ http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis • What is the cost of applying? • The cost for applying is $465

14. Who Can Apply for Deferred Action? • To be considered a childhood arrival for the purposes of this application, you must meet the following requirements: • Was under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012; • Came to the United States before reaching his or her 16th birthday; • Has continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007, up to the present time; • Was present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time of making this request for consideration of deferred action with USCIS; • Entered without inspection before June 15, 2012, or his or her lawful immigration status expired as of June 15, 2012; • Is currently in school, has graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from high school, has obtained a general education development certificate, or is an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States; and • Has not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, three or more other misdemeanors, and does not otherwise pose a threat to national or public security.

15. NOT ALL Students Qualify • Students should take assessment before applying. • Applying without qualifying, whether there were lies or major crimes can result in deportation. • Students are advised to receive advice before applying or attend an information session

16. What forms are needed? • Form I-821D • Form I-765 • Form I-765 Worksheet • Documents that prove that what you say is true. See http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis for instructions forms.

17. Deferred Action is Limited • Students are applying to not be prosecuted for deportation for two years. After those two years, who knows! • Students are encouraged to work hard and connection themselves with organizations that offer resources • This status, if attained does not qualify students for FAFSA • Students may apply for work permit

18. Organizations and Other Resources • Illinois Coalition for Immigration and Refugee Rights www.icirr.org • Immigrant Youth Justice League www.iyjl.org • Dream Commission • www.dreamrelief.org

19. How Can Educators Help? • Please let students know that there are options • Keep informed about new changes • Refer them to Ms. Villafuerte or their counselors for support