UndocuAlly Guide

Step One: Know

  1. Familiarize yourself with the laws impacting undocumented communities.
  2. Familiarize yourself with reasons migrants leave their countries: economic insecurity, ethnic, racial, and religious persecutions are places to start.
  3. Remember there is no singular undocumented experience. Undocumented people come from many different racial backgrounds and regions.

Policies & Laws

University Policy

SUU
  • Abides state law by providing in-state tuition for student who qualify for HP 144 and SB 253. Please contact Jessica Casagni at jessicacasagni@suu.edu or 435-586-8215 for more information.
  • Provides in-state tuition to all undocumented and DACAmented students in summer semesters.

State Laws

HB 144

Passed in 2002

  • HB 144 allows qualifying undocumented students to pay in-state tuition, the same rate as Utah residents, if they attend a Utah college or university.
  • In order to QUALIFY for HB 144, a student must meet the following requirements and submit an HB 144 Affidavit:
    • attended Utah high school for 3+ years
    • graduated/earned GED
    • NOT be registered as an entering student at a Utah college or university before Fall 2002.
    • Agree to file to legalize immigration status as soon as they are eligible.
SB 253

Passed in 2015

SB 253 makes it so any student who graduates from a Utah high school (regardless of high school graduation year) IS NOT required to provide proof of lawful U.S. presence for scholarships or tuition waivers in Utah's public colleges and universities.

Therefore, regardless if the student has or does not have DACA, as long as they have graduated from a Utah high school, they may apply to privately funded scholarships administered by a Utah public college or university.


Federal Laws

DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)

Implemented in June 2012

Offers 2-year, renewable reprieve of deportation and permission to work.

No New Applicants!

To Qualify:

  1. Under the age of 31
  2. Entered the US before age 16
  3. Lived continuously in the US for at least 5 years
  4. No felony convictions, a "significant" misdemeanor, or 3 other misdemeanors
  5. Currently in school, graduated from HS, earned a GED, or served in the military

What Terminology Should I Use?

It's not what you say, it's what students hear!

Believe migration is a human right.

Preferred Terms

  • DREAMer
  • DACA Student
  • DACAmented
  • Undocu Student
  • Non-FAFSA eligible
  • Sin Papeles
  • Unprotected
  • "Doesn't have an SSN"

Problematic Terms

  • Illegal
  • Alien
  • Unauthorized
  • Unlawful Status
  • Illegal Status
  • Racial Slurs

Black and Latinx immigrants in a colorful illustrated collage of ferns under the words "Undocumented + Unafraid." "Defend DACA" by Ashley Lukashevsky via Power to the Poster.

Step Two: Act

1. Be Loud and Proud

Find artwork and stickers that signal your support for immigrants. For professionals, make sure your marketing materials incorporate resources for undocumented students.

2. Stay Informed

Follow United We Dream, Edúcate-Utah, and sign up for the UoU Dream Center newsletters, so you can be up-to-date on the latest opportunities and news.

Edúcate Utah logo

Dream Center at University of Utah

United We Dream

My Undocumented Life

Create Safe Spaces

The way you respond to someone disclosing their immigration status can have a profound impact on whether or not they continue to seek support services. Do not pressure them to disclose. If a student confides in you their immigration status, listen closely and clarify the degree of confidentiality they desire. Be prepared to provide or redirect the student to the appropriate resource. If you are unsure about a resource or a policy, be honest and do not give a student false hope. Thank them for confiding in you. Afterwards, follow up with them to be sure the resources you provided were effective. If you are an administrator, review your policies to make sure your services are open to everyone, regardless of immigration status.


Created by Willy Palomo. Adapted from Crimson Group at Washington State University, Dream Center at the University of Utah, and "UndocuAlly" Training from TheDream.us.