Undocumented and DACA Student Resources
DePauw University values all of its students equally. We are proud of our diverse community and are committed to creating a safe, transparent and supportive campus environment. Please take advantage of the resources below, and let us know if you need any information or support not mentioned here.
What is DACA?
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a program created in 2012 that provides permission for individuals who entered the US as undocumented youth to live, study and work temporarily in the United States. Registering with the DACA program requires an application process with the US Citizenship and Immigration Service and must be renewed every two years.
campus contact for undocumented & daca students
The following contacts can provide information, resources and support, including legal references if individual students need to consult an attorney. Student groups on campus can request that one of these campus contacts meet with student groups to provide information, answer questions or provide resources on specific topics.
Prospective Students
Loutfi Jirari, Associate Dean of Academic Life and Director of International Recruiting
765-658-4547
loutfijirari@depauw.edu
Current Students
Center for Diversity and Inclusion
cdi@depauw.edu
Campus Resources
Office of Public Safety - Contact for any personal emergency or to get in contact with a DePauw University staff person after hours
Instructions for undocumented students applying for admission to DePauw
Instructions for DACA students applying for admission to DePauw
Financial Aid - Information and resources for current and prospective undocumented & DACA students
Resources for Off-Campus Study, Internships and Career Development
Taking care of yourself is of the utmost importance, especially in times of uncertainty and added stress. Counseling Services supports the academic success, physical health and mental well being of all students by providing free, professional services, staying informed about current issues our students are facing, and treating information in a confidential manner. Learn more about Counseling Services, scheduling appointments at the link above.
Legal Resources & information
Mexican Consulate of Indianapolis - Free information, resources and events for Mexican citizens, including free legal services three days a week.
Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic of Indianapolis
Safety Planning Guide - This resource from the Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic provides recommendations for undocumented individuals and families to be prepared if they or a family member are detained or deported.
Map of Indiana's legal aid immigration organizations (providing free or reduced cost legal services)
National Immigration Legal Services Directory - The National Immigration Legal Services Directory is a joint project of the Immigration Advocates Network and Pro Bono Net.
Learn more
National Immigration Law Center - Established in 1979, the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) is one of the leading organizations in the U.S. exclusively dedicated to defending and advancing the rights of low-income immigrants.
Know Your Rights (variety of resources) - Learn about individuals are and are not required to do during interactions with law enforcement or federal agents. This resource includes a printable, wallet-size reference card.
Know Your Rights & Family Preparation Guide
New Questions and Answers about DACA now that Trump is President-Elect
Educators for Fair Consideration - Educators For Fair Consideration (E4FC) provides comprehensive resources for undocumented young people in their pursuit of college, career and citizenship, including guides to undergraduate and graduate scholarships.
Indiana Undocumented Youth Alliance - The Indiana Undocumented Youth Alliance, Inc. (IUYA), is a youth-led 501(c)3 non-profit agency committed to empowering undocumented youth to achieve high levels of education, influence public policy, and overall improve the quality of life of undocumented communities in the state of Indiana.
National Immigration Justice Center - Heartland Alliance's National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) is dedicated to ensuring human rights protections and access to justice for all immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers. With offices in Chicago, Indiana, and Washington, D.C., NIJC provides direct legal services to and advocates for these populations through policy reform, impact litigation, and public education. Since its founding three decades ago, NIJC has been unique in blending individual client advocacy with broad-based systemic change.
United We Dream - United We Dream is the largest immigrant youth-led organization in the nation. Its nonpartisan network is made up of over 100,000 immigrant youth and allies and 55 affiliate organizations in 26 states. The organization advocates for the dignity and fair treatment of immigrant youth and families, regardless of immigration status.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is DACA?
In June 2012, President Barack Obama announced an executive action to help undocumented immigrants who were brought to the U.S. illegally as children, and who meet certain requirements to receive deferred action from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and thus have temporary relief from deportation. The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program provides prosecutorial discretion for these immigrants, who then gain work authorization and with it, Social Security numbers and other identification necessary for college entrance and financial aid.
What information will the University share?
Like many of our sister institutions we do not share student records with outside agencies. Campus safety officers do not solicit information concerning status.
What information would we share with ICE?
In a 2011 memo, John Morton, Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, set forth policy designed to ensure that enforcement actions "do not occur at nor are focused on sensitive locations such as schools and churches..." There are limited exceptions to this policy, yet at this point in time, it is clear that the ICE policy states that college campuses are not to be targeted. We support and appreciate this policy.
What does this mean for Admission?
We attract, enroll and educate students at DePauw without regard to gender, ethnicity, race, status, or sexual orientation and we support each of those students. We will continue to do so.