*Graphic and definition of term by Immigrants Rising

Resources for Educators & Allies

We define the term “undocumented” broadly to include all immigrants who reside in the United States without legal status.

This includes individuals who:

1. Entered without Inspection - Individuals who entered the United States without presenting themselves for inspection at an official checkpoint to obtain permission to enter the country (e.g. crossing the border without inspection).

2. Entered with Legal Status but Overstayed - Individuals who entered the United States with legal status (e.g. student visa) and then remained in the country after their ‘duration of status’ date (found on their I-94) or after their visa expired.

3. Have or Previously Had Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) - Individuals who have been granted temporary reprieve from deportation through the federal government’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Additionally, individuals who had DACA in the past, or will be eligible to request DACA later if the program is fully reinstated.

4. Are Currently in the Process of Legalizing - Individuals who are pursuing legalization (e.g. U.S. Citizen Spouse Petition or U-visa pending, etc.) but currently have no legal status.

5. Vulnerable Immigrants - Individuals whose immigration status is in ‘limbo’ or puts them ‘at-risk’ for being targeted by immigration enforcement. This could occur due to many factors, such as politics (e.g. TPS program at risk of being canceled due to the Trump Administration’s shift in the policy), to U-visa recipients who cannot adjust their status due to personal circumstances (e.g. lack of funds, missing a deadline).

How to be an Ally to Undocumented Students

There are many things that you can do to create safe and inclusive educational environments in which students of all backgrounds can thrive socially, emotionally, and academically. 

Find a comfortable level at which to engage and help create a sense of belonging, cultivate empathy and trusting relationships, and help reduce discriminatory actions and stereotypes. Offering support in small ways can convey hope and keep students moving forward.

• Top 10 Ways to Support Undocumented Students provides concrete suggestions and specific resources for staff and faculty to use to strengthen their support.

• Quick Guide to College Access is a comprehensive tool regarding CA in-state tuition eligibility, financial aid, and scholarships.

• 5 Tips for Educators to Help Students Get Started as Freelancers/Independent Contractors is a guide for educators to help students develop an entrepreneurial mindset and understand the process to begin working for themselves.

• A Guide to Building On-Campus Undocumented Student Programs provides clear benchmarks on establishing support services and sustainable programming at your college or university.

• UndocuCollege Guide & Equity Tool: California helps colleges and universities achieve educational equity and inclusion of undocumented students. This guide identifies statewide challenges, highlights promising practices and includes an assessment tool for campuses to analyze the level of support currently available.