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DACAMENTED AND UNDOCUMENTED STUDENT RESOURCES


The University of Wisconsin-Parkside welcomes, supports, and stands in solidarity with our undocumented students, including those with and without the protections of DACA.

According to the New American Economy, there are approximately 38,000 immigrants that reside in the 1st Congressional District (covering Racine, Kenosha, and Walworth counties) in Wisconsin. According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Citizen & Immigration Services (2020), 1% of DACA recipients (about 6500 individuals) reside in Wisconsin. DACAmented and Undocumented students and immigrants are vibrant, integral members of our campus, local community, and state who contribute socially, culturally, and economically and are deserving of dignity and respect.

UW-Parkside believes in a “dynamic learning community” for all students, including immigrant students, to help achieve their full potential. This is our calling as a higher education institution. The university aspires to foster a more equitable and inclusive climate and culture between and among students, faculty, and staff and to improve justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in every aspect of campus life.

UW-Parkside acknowledges that DREAMers face a unique set of challenges related to the inequities of their residency status. In recognition of these challenges, the university commits to supporting students holistically as a community member.

UW-Parkside will not provide information or records of its students, faculty, and staff unless required under the law. The Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) prohibits the university from sharing educational records, beyond directory information, without written consent.

UW-Parkside advocates for affordable and accessible education for all and long-term legislative solutions that will positively impact DREAMers. Through a commitment to continuous improvement, the university equips faculty, staff, students, and community stakeholders with the knowledge and resources to foster a sense of belonging for all.

We support DREAMers!

DREAMERS SUPPORT TEAM

This team is made up of staff, faculty, and students who are trained allies who can help you navigate every step of your college experience.

Learn More

LEGAL UPDATES

BIPARTISAN BILL WOULD ALLOW WI DACA RECIPIENTS TO EARN PROFESSIONAL LICENSES, QUALIFY FOR IN-STATE TUITION

A package of bipartisan bills introduced on December 4, 2023, seeks to bolster the state's workforce by making it easier for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients to work and learn in Wisconsin. If passed, these proposals would allow DACA recipients to obtain professional liceneses to become nurses, teachers, plumbers, and more as well as qualify for in-state tuition in the UW System.

Learn More

RESOURCES

 

The University of Wisconsin-Parkside is committed to providing accurate information and resources for current and prospective Dacamented and Undocumented students, their families, and allies.

Admissions - Admissions can help you apply and pay for college, select a program that best fits your career goals, and get all the information you need to be successful at Parkside.  

Latinos Unidos  - A student organization that provides cultural education and support, as well as social functions to the public. LU is devoted to developing a sense of pride among students of diverse Latino heritage.

The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs - Is committed to holistically supporting underrepresented students by fostering advocacy, belonging, development, and recognition.

Student Employment - With jobs and internships available in dozens of offices and departments across campus, student employment is a flexible and convenient way to gain hands-on, real life experience. 

Student Health and Counseling - Provides high quality care for the physical, emotional, and mental health needs of students.

 

Scholarships

College of Social Sciences and Professional Studies Scholarships

Future Focus 

Nonresident Scholarships

Somos Latinos Unidos Scholarship 

 

Local/State

Dreams of Wisconsin Scholarship

HPGM Scholarship Program

Hispanic Business and Professionals Association of Racine

Wisconsin Hispanic Scholarship Fund/Mexican Fiesta Scholarship Program
 

National

Fast Web - Free scholarship search platform 

Finaid - Information on financial aid for college and tips on how to help ease the burden of college expenses 

Scholarships - Get matched to college scholarships 

The Dream - A scholarship program exclusively for DREAMers pursuing a college education 

Golden Door Scholars - A scholarship program exclusively for undocumented students pursuing a bachelor’s degree 

Scholarship America - A scholarship award with broad and easy-to-understand eligibility requirements open to a diverse group of students pursuing a college education 

HSF - The Hispanic Scholarship Fund’s Scholar Program, open to Hispanic students pursuing higher education 

Adelante Fund - A list of scholarships available to Hispanic students 

Inesc - A list of scholarships for Latino students 

laef - Scholarship available to Hispanic/Latino students from Colorado 

Esperanza Fund - Scholarships for students from Maryland, Virginia, or Washington D.C. who are immigrants or are the children of immigrants 

Dreamers Road Map - A free national mobile app that helps undocumented students find scholarships to go to college 

Immigrants Rising - A curated list of scholarships and fellowships that don’t require proof of U.S. citizenship 

Online Schools - A list of financial aid resources for minority students 

Local/State

Lawyers for Learners - Lawyers for Learners connects Universities of Wisconsin students with legal specialists who can help with a variety of legal matters. 

Immigration Justice Clinic - The Immigrant Justice Clinic, sponsored by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School, provides free legal services to Wisconsin's under served immigrant community while training law students in cutting-edge aspects of immigration law. 

United Migrant Opportunity Services - Immigration Legal Services

Hispano Milwaukee - Immigration and Social Services 

Hispanic American Community Education Services - Immigration Education and Legal Services 

Maria I. Lopez - Immigration Law 

Firm of Xavier Solis - Immigration and Criminal Justice Attorney 

Layde & Parra S.C. | Immigration Lawyers  

Law Offices of Stephanie M. Gwyn, LLC | Immigration Attorney 


National

NEA EDJustice – The National Education Association’s EdJustice League provides resources for DREAMers and those who seek to support them in the struggle. 

Citizen Path - Citizen path simplifies the immigration process and offers an affordable alternative for guaranteed approval. 

www.uscis.gov - This is the official government website of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services where students can check their case status and schedule free appointments with a local USCIS Office. 

ILRC - The Immigrant Legal Resource Center is a national nonprofit resource center that provides immigration legal trainings, technical assistance, and educational materials, and engages in advocacy and immigrant civic engagement to advance immigrant rights. 

NILC - The National Immigration Law Center is one of the leading organizations in the U.S. exclusively dedicated to defending and advancing the rights of immigrants with low income. 

Immigration Advocates - You can use the National Immigration Legal Services Directory, provided by Immigration Advocates Network, to search for immigration legal services providers by state, county, or detention facility. 

Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund - The nation’s leading Latino legal civil rights organization fighting for equity in education, employment, and immigrants’ rights

Local/State

Hispanic Business and Professional Association - Assistance for  Hispanic Business Professionals and Young Hispanics in entrepreneurial endeavors in southeastern Wisconsin

Voces de la Frontera-Racine - Voces de la Frontera is Wisconsin's leading immigrant rights & low-wage workers center

ACLU of Wisconsin -  The ACLU has been the nation's guardian of liberty, working daily in courts, legislatures and communities to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties that the Constitution and laws of the United States guarantee everyone in this country

Mano a Mano Family Resource Center - Mano a Mano is a prominent multi-program social service agency, offering support and resources to immigrant families across northeastern Illinois

LULAC Council 320 Racine/Kenosha  - LULAC Council 320 is a local civil rights council that represents Kenosha and Racine Counties. The council advocates on educational issues for families. 

Healthcare for Wisconsin Immigrants - You or your family may be able to get health care coverage even if you are not a U.S. citizen or legal resident.

Healthcare Options for Undocumented Immigrants - Learn more about emergency services, free clinics, community health centers, and prenatal services available to undocumented immigrants in the state of Wisconsin.

Badgercare for Pregnant Women (Immigrant Resources) - BadgerCare Plus is state of Wisconsin Medicaid. It pays for the baby’s delivery and your health care while you’re pregnant.


National

www.unitedwedream.org - The largest immigrant youth-led network in the country with trustworthy resources on DACA and all things immigration 

www.immigrantsrising.org - Resources for immigrants related to higher education, making money, immigration law, mental health & wellness, and more 

www.mydocumentedlife.org - Up-to-date information and resources for undocumented students 

www.getschooled.com - A free, digital college and job advisor that will help students apply for college and prepare application materials 

www.bigfuture.collegeboard.org - Questions and answers for undocumented college students about paying for college 

www.bestcolleges.com - Explore this comprehensive guide that provides awareness, education, and resources for undocumented and DACA college students

SNAP Policy on Non-Citizen Eligibility - While only U.S. citizens and certain lawfully-present non-citizens may receive SNAP benefits, non-citizens may be eligible based on their immigration status, income, and resource limits.

Terminology/Definitions

This term can be applied to any person who lives or works in the United States without the legal protections of a citizen or permanent resident. 

This term refers to someone protected under the 2012 Obama administration executive order, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), people who were brought to the U.S. as children to legally live, go to school, drive, and work if certain criteria are met. DACA does NOT include a pathway to citizenship. 

This term can refer to someone in either group, generally a DREAMER is an undocumented immigrant who came to the U.S. before they turned 16.

Any student who currently holds a visa of any type or is seeking a visa is considered to be an international student. 

Mixed Status family refers to students that either are, 1) undocumented, but have family members that are U.S. residents or U.S. citizens and/or 2) are U.S. residents or a U.S. citizen, but have family members that are undocumented.

This term refers to in-state or out-of-state residency for purposes of college tuition assessment.

This term refers to an individual who entered the United States with proper documentation but stayed in the country after their visa expired.

This visa permits international students to study in the U.S. They must be a full-time student in a course of studies that culminates in a degree or certificate and may not work off campus their first year.

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a humanitarian program established by congress to provide temporary protection to foreign immigrants whose countries are ongoing armed conflict, environmental disaster, or other extraordinary condition.

UndocuAlly is a term adopted to refer to allies for undocumented young people.

Undocu-friendly is a term that refers to institutions that have policies or systems in place that aim to support undocumented students.

Undocuscholar is another term for an undocumented student.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

american flag we the people constitution document
  • The Fifth Amendment gives you the right to remain silent: to not answer questions asked by a police officer or any other governmental official. 
     
  • The Fourth Amendment restricts the government’s power to enter your home or workplace, or to search your car.
     
  • The First Amendment protects your right to speak freely and to advocate for social change. Realize that immigration officials can target you based on your political activities if you are a noncitizen and are deportable.
     
  • Immigration officials are now part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). DHS has three sections: 
    1. The Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS).  
    2. The Bureau of Customs and Border Control.  
    3. The Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
MR_PoliceHiring
  • Think carefully about your words, movement, body language and emotions. 
  • Do not argue with the officer. 
  • Do not run. Do not touch the officer. 
  • Do not resist even if you believe that you are wrongfully stopped. 
  • Do not sign anything giving up your rights. 
  • Do not falsely claim U.S. citizenship. 
  • Do not carry false documents. 
  • Do not sign any documents without first speaking with a lawyer. 
  • An undocumented person should remain silent or tell the enforcement agent they want to remain silent. 
  • Remember that once a conversation with a police officer is terminated, the officer must either arrest you or let you go. 
  • Ask for a lawyer immediately after you are arrested.

If you are arrested: 

  • Assert your rights. Tell the officer that you want to speak to a lawyer, then remain silent. 
  • Do not sign any papers before a lawyer has advised you of the ramifications of signing and your rights and responsibilities under the law. 
Daca_DHS
  • Assert your rights. If you do not demand your rights or if you sign papers waiving your rights, the DHS may deport you before you see a lawyer or an immigration judge. 
  • Never sign anything without reading, understanding and knowing the consequences of signing it. It is in your best interest to consult with an attorney before you answer any questions. You have the same rights as United States citizens under the Fifth Amendment right to remain silent. Different kinds of law enforcement officials might try to question you or ask you to agree to an interview where they will ask questions about your background, immigration status, relatives, colleagues and other topics. 
  • There is an exception for individuals on student visas. Immigration officials can require you to provide information relating to your immigration status. 
  • You have the right to have a lawyer of your choice present before you answer any questions. You have the right to stay silent if your answer to a question could be used against you in a criminal case. 
  • Talk to a lawyer. If possible, carry with you the name and telephone number of an immigration attorney who will take your calls. 
  • The immigration laws are complicated and are constantly being reinterpreted. As soon as you are contacted by DHS, call an immigration lawyer. There may be options for you that immigration officers will not explain to you. You do not have a right to a governmental appointed lawyer for an immigration proceeding, but if you have been arrested, immigration officials must show you a list of free or low-cost legal service providers. 
Daca_House
  • If the police knock and ask to enter your home, you do not have to admit them unless they have a warrant signed by a judge. You have the right to examine the warrant first. 
  • An officer may enter your home without a warrant if they observes evidence of a crime in plain view (i.e. through an open door, is in hot pursuit of a fleeing felon or reasonably believes that a person inside the room is in need of immediate aid). 
  • If you consent to allow an officer to enter your home for any reason, anything the officer sees in plain view can be seized and held against you. 
  • Officers rarely ask, “May I enter your room to look for evidence in plain view?” or “May I perform a full search of your person?” You must be aware of what is going on, and you must say whether or not you give consent. Be firm, clear and polite. 
  • Everyone has the right to courteous and respectful treatment from the police. If your rights have been violated, do not try to deal with it at the scene. You can talk to a lawyer afterward or file a complaint. 
Daca_Car
  • Upon request show them your driver’s license, registration and proof of insurance. You must step out of the car if asked. If the police officer has a reasonable belief that the person stopped is presently armed and dangerous, they may conduct a limited protective frisk. The frisk must be limited to a search for weapons. 
  • To protect yourself, you should make it clear that you do not consent to a search. It is not lawful for police to arrest you simply for refusing to consent to a search. 
  • If you are given a ticket, you should sign it. If you do not, you can get arrested. You can fight the case in court at a later date. Do not interfere with a search or obstruct the police; you can be arrested for it. 
  • If you are suspected of driving under the influence (DUI) and you refuse to take the blood, urine or breath test, your driver’s license will be suspended. 
Daca_Arrest
  • Criminal convictions can make you deportable. Do not agree to a plea bargain or any disposition of your case without consulting an immigration attorney on whether these actions will make you deportable or ineligible for relief of citizenship. 
  • You must carry valid immigration documents with you at all times. Failure to carry these documents can be a misdemeanor crime. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

UW-Parkside will not provide information or records, including the immigration status of its students, faculty, or staff, unless required to do so under the force of law (i.e., with a documented subpoena / court order). Additionally, the University does not monitor/track immigration status. 

Additionally, the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) prohibits the University from sharing information from your education records without your written consent. Certain information about you, referred to as “Directory Information” (information that is considered non-harmful i.e. name, email address, telephone number, date of birth, enrollment status, major etc.) can be shared with others without your consent. Directory information is public information unless you have a FERPA hold on your student record. See more about Educational Records here.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recognizes hospitals, churches, schools, and universities as “Protected Areas” (formerly “sensitive locations”). Agents will not target these locations unless there are significant exigent circumstances. Protected Areas are labeled based on the types of activities that take place there, the importance of those activities to the well-being of people and the communities of which they are a part, and the impact that an enforcement action by ICE would have on people’s willingness to be there and receive or engage in the essential services or activities that occur there.  

See Protected Areas

UW-Parkside accepts applications for undocumented and DACAmented students. If you have DACA, provide the SS number. If you are undocumented leave the SS number blank or fill with 000-00-0000. In the admissions process, there is no advantage for students that have DACA. DACA/undocumented students are considered in the domestic pool of students and generally have the same rate of acceptance.  

For more questions on the admissions process, contact the Office of Admissions | 262-595-2355 |  admissions@uwp.edu 

The State of Wisconsin currently prohibits undocumented students, including those with DACA status, from qualifying for in-state tuition rates and accessing federal or state financial aid. 

Find more information on residency for tuition purposes here. 

Yes, and depending on the student’s individual situation, they will most likely need to ascertain documents to prove legal residency in the U.S. (i.e., Visa, refugee/asylee documents, permanent resident documents,etc).  

Tuition Remissions are also a possibility, while not changing their Residency Status, this can help with the cost of Non-Resident Tuition. 

As stated above, Non-Resident Scholarships can also be helpful 

Yes. DREAMers with DACA have renewable two-year employment authorization documents (“work authorizations”) that allow them to legally work. An employer does not have to sponsor a DREAMer with DACA – they can hire them just as they would any U.S. citizen.  

DREAMers should investigate what licensing and certification requirements look like for various fields. For example, fields like education, social work, law, medicine, etc. Usually require a employee work authorization or special class of visa. To learn more about career opportunities that suit you, please contact the Advising and Career Center 262-595-2040 | advisingcenter@uwp.edu 

The University of Wisconsin-Parkside is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive campus experience for all. If you need assistance please schedule an appointment with a member of our Dreamers support team.

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