Resources for Undocumented Students

What is AB(Assembly Bill)- 540?

Assembly Bill 540 is a California law that allows qualified students to pay in-state tuition. AB 540 does not grant financial eligibility for state or federal aid, it provides an exemption to the requirements of paying non-resident tuition. More Information about AB-540

What is DACA?

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA):DACA is an exercise of prosecutorial discretion that provides temporary relief from deportation (deferred action) and work authorization to certain young people brought to the United States as children—often called “DREAMers.” The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) first launched the initiative in 2012, and since that time it has helped over 700,000 eligible young adults move into mainstream life in the United States, thereby improving their social and economic well-being. To qualify under the original initiative, individuals must demonstrate that they:

Were under the age of 31 on June 15, 2012;
Arrived in the United States before turning 16;
Continuously resided in the United States from June 15, 2007 to the present;
Were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012, as well as at the time of requesting deferred action from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS);
Entered without inspection before June 15, 2012, or any lawful immigration status expired on or before June 15, 2012;
Are either in school, have graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from high school, have obtained a general education development (GED) certificate, or are honorably discharged veterans of the U.S. Coast Guard or the U.S. Armed Forces; and
Have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, or three or more other misdemeanors occurring on different dates and arising out of different acts, omissions, or schemes of misconduct, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.

For more information about DACA contact Jewish Family Services.

California Dream Act Application

The California Dream Act allows undocumented and nonresident students (U.S. Citizens and eligible non-citizens) who qualify for a non-resident exemption under Assembly Bill 540 (AB 540) to receive
certain types of financial aid such as: private scholarships funded through public universities, state administered financial aid, university grants, community college fee waivers, and Cal Grants.
In addition, the California Dream Act, allows eligible students to pay in-state tuition at any public college in California. California Dream Act