Undocumented Students

Coastline College (CC) strives to provide access to education for all of our students. In accordance with California law, AB 540 and the California Dream Act, undocumented students at CCC have access to resident tuition fees and financial aid.

Undocumented Student Action Week

Coastline College supports undocumented students! During the week of October 14-18, 2019, the College will engage in a week of advocacy and activities to support and build awareness of undocumented students throughout the state. 

Stay Informed

AB540

California’s Assembly Bill 540 is a bill signed by Governor Gray Davis on October 12, 2001. This bill allows undocumented students who meet certain requirements to pay in-state tuition instead of out-of-state tuition in California’s higher institutions, such as the University of California, California State Universities and California Community Colleges.

Learn more by visiting the California Student Aid Commission.

CA Dream Act

The California Dream Act allows undocumented and nonresident documented students who meet certain provisions to apply for and receive private scholarships funded through public universities, state-administered financial aid, University grants, community college fee waivers, and Cal Grants.  Students who live in California and meet the eligibility requirements of Assembly Bill (AB) 540 or AB 2000, as well as students who have a U Visa or TPS status, can use the California Dream Act application (CADAA).

DACA

An executive order created under the administration of President Barack Obama, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) allows individuals who came to the U.S. as children and meet guidelines to request consideration of deferred action for two years, subject to renewal. They are also eligible for work authorization. Individuals who may qualify for DACA are those who:

1. Were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012.
2. Came to the United States before their 16^th
3. Continuously resided in the U.S. since June 15, 2007, up to the present time.
4. Were physically present in the U.S. on June 15, 2012, and at the time of making their request for consideration of deferred action with USCIS.
5. Had no lawful status as of June 15, 2012.
6. Are currently in school, have graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from high school, have obtained a general education development (GED) certificate, or are an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States
7. Have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, three or more other misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.

Frequently Asked Questions/Topics about DACA

• Latest DACA News

  What is happening with DACA?

  Read on the latest DACA news.

• Applying for DACA

  Can I apply for DACA?

  The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will no longer accept or process first-time NEW applications for deferred action.

  If you currently have DACA that will expire between now and March 5, 2018, you can apply to renew your status. You must apply for a two-year renewal of your DACA by October 5, 2017. This deadline is very important, and all DACA recipients who qualify for this renewal should contact an immigration attorney or Board of Immigration Appeals accredited organization to initiate the renewal process.

• Advance Parole

  What is Advance Parole?

  Advance Parole granted DACA recipients the opportunity to obtain a permit to travel abroad for educational, employment or humanitarian purposes.

  The Department of Homeland Security has announced that it will no longer approve any applications for advance parole, although it will honor the validity period for previously approved applications for advance parole.

• Program Differences

  What is the difference between AB 540, the California Dream Act, & DACA?

  DACA, AB 540 and the California Dream Act are not the same. In the state of California, the unwinding of DACA does NOT impact a student's ability to attend college, qualify for exemption from non-resident tuition fees, or apply for financial aid.

  AB540 (Assembly Bill 540)

  • Allows qualified students to pay resident fees at California colleges and universities
  • This is not the same as the California Dream Act. Students who wish to be considered for the CA Dream Act must apply separately.

  California Dream Act

  • The California Dream Act Application allows students enrolled in eligible California Colleges, Universities and Career Education Programs to apply for state financial aid.
  • This application is unrelated to DACA.
  • California Dream Act applications are reviewed by the state of California. Information from this application is not shared with the federal government.

  DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)

  • Grants two-year worker authorization and temporary relief of deportation
  • DACA applications are reviewed by the federal government
  • Provides temporary Social Security card for WORK ONLY
  • DOES NOT GRANT U.S. CITIZENSHIP

Undocumented Students Resources

• Community Resources

  California Community College Chancellor's Office for Undocumented Students:
  A web portal of information and resources.
  
  Immigrant Legal Resource Center (IRLC)

  • Read the ILRC advisory, which breaks down details of the Trump decision and what it means for DACA recipients, those with pending applications and others.
  • IRLC has information about your legal rights if you are stopped or questioned and special information for LGBTQ immigrants.
  • General Community Resources website
  • Handbook for immigrant youth

  University of California, Berkeley's Undocumented Students Program FAQ

  Several groups are mobilizing to provide support and advocate for a better national policy on immigration. These include:

  • United We Dream
  • FWD.us
  • SIREN: Services, Immigrant Rights & Education Network

  Free Legal Consultation Clinic

  • Free Legal Consultation Clinic is every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. by Serve the People. Located on 1206 East 17th Street, Suite 101 Santa Ana, CA 92701
• Campus Resources

  For general questions about DACA/Dream Act, contact a trained ally:

  • Sara Estrada, Outreach Program Specialist, Outreach & Recruitment
  • Location: Fountain Valley Student Services Center, 4th floor, RM 416
  • Phone: (714) 241-6218
  • Email: sestrada22@coastline.edu 

  For questions about Financial Aid under the California Dream Act, contact Financial Aid:

  • Chinh Pham, Director, Financial Aid
  • Location: Fountain Valley Student Services Center, 4th floor
  • Phone: (714) 241-6239
  • Email: financialaid@coastline.edu