Undocumented Student Resources

students around table in office lobby

WHAT IS DACA?

DACA stands for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. Established in 2012 by President Barack Obama, DACA allows undocumented individuals who entered the United States as minors to receive a renewable two-year period of “deferred action” or protection from deportation.

DACA enables recipients to further or complete their education and work, obtain driver’s licenses and social security numbers, and build personal credit history. In addition, it allows undocumented individuals to exit and re-enter the country.

DACA status protects against deportation. The program currently remains in place. The U.S. Federal Government grants DACA status on a case-by-case basis. DACA does not offer a path to permanent residency or citizenship.

DACA IS BACK

  • As of January 17, 2025, USCIS continues to accept and process renewal requests and employment authorization documents (EADs) under 8 CFR §§ 236.22–23 They will also continue to accept and process applications for advance parole for current DACA recipients and will continue to accept but not process initial DACA requests. For more information, please visit the USCIS website.
  • Advanced Parole remains fully available to approved DACA recipients.
  • 1-year renewal for DACA individuals will automatically have the protection extended to two years

  • Expiration rules:

     

     

    • If DACA expired less than one year ago, renewal is filed as a renewal.

    • If expired more than one year ago, it's treated as an initial request, which is not currently processable. For more information, visit the USCIS website.

Helpful Tips:

  • If you currently have DACA, you should request renewal 150-120 days before it expires to minimize the possibility that your current period of DACA expires before you receive a decision on your renewal request.
  • If you now have DACA, USCIS will accept renewal requests more than 150 days before your DACA expiration; however, this could result in an overlap between your current DACA period and your renewal period.
  • Typically, USCIS will not reject renewals if the expiration date does not exceed one year.
    For frequently asked questions, go here.

Resources & Scholarships

  • My Undocumented Life has up-to-date information and resources for students, including information about scholarships.
  • Opening Doors International Services has been offering humanitarian and legal immigration services to families and individuals in North Texas since 2003.
  • North Texas Dream Team: a community-led nonprofit organization whose mission is to advance students' dreams and goals and educate and bring awareness to everyone, regardless of color, regarding issues in our communities.
  • The Dream.US National scholarship for Dreamers who will begin their first year in college and meet Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) eligibility criteria.
  • La Unidad Latina Foundation Scholarship offers scholarships to current undocumented undergrad and grad students in different degree programs.
  • United We Dream offers multiple resources for undocumented students and those seeking help with DACA. UWD is the largest immigrant youth-led network in the country.
  • Informed Immigrant directly evokes deep hope and an ambitious mission of providing all undocumented immigrants with the knowledge and resources they need to feel prepared in our unpredictable political and enforcement environment.

Federal

Legal Assistance and/ Advocacy

  • Immi is an online screening tool, legal information, and referrals to nonprofit legal services organizations from the Immigration Advocates Network and Pro Bono Net, a helpful site with lots of legal information. The webpage can be viewed in Spanish and English.
  • Proyeto Inmigrante ICS, Inc. offers immigration counseling and legal representation services throughout the DFW Metroplex.
  • Light of Hope ILC: Immigration Law Center that serves low-income families who face immigration challenges.