Students with Undocumented and DACA Status
The Career Services & Internship Program Office is committed to support undocumented students and students with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Status. We are aware that there is a significant difference between students who have DACA status and those who do not have this designation. It is our goal to support you throughout your time at BSU and beyond. Some of the resources below are relevant to both groups of students and alumni.
DACA Students
When you submit a job application online, employers may ask you this question, “Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?” If you have DACA status, your answer would be “yes” and can proceed without disclosing additional information. Be sure to obtain the Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) through DACA.
Undocumented Students without DACA status
- You can discuss with an employer the possibility of working as an independent contractor. Independent contractors often do the same type of work, and you can work for multiple clients instead of one employer. Examples of independent contractor jobs include tutors and child care providers.
- As an independent contractor you can apply for an Independent Taxpayer Identification Number regardless of your immigration status. Read Life after College: A Guide for Undocumented Students by Immigrants Rising on pages 29-35.
- A limited liability company (LLC) is also an option. An individual or group of people can form a LLC. Read Life after College: A Guide for Undocumented Students by Immigrants Rising on pages 35-37.
Career Resources
- TheDream.Us – Income and Career Alternatives for Undocumented Students (Video)
- UnitedWeDream Resources
- Idealist.org for volunteer opportunities
- DACA Employer Guide
- The DREAM Bar Association
- Pre-Health DREAMers
Scholarship Resources
- Immigrants Rising – List of Scholarship and Fellowships
- MALDEF Scholarship Resource Guide
- TheDream.US – Scholarship for DREAMers
- Golden Door Scholarship
- Scholarships.com – Undocumented/TPS/DACA Scholarships
- Scholarships and Funding Tips for Undocumented Students/DREAMers (high school)
- National Immigration Law Center – Resources on Financial Aid and Scholarships
- Generation Progress – Scholarships for Undergraduate and Graduate Students
DACA Legal Resources
Please visit the resources below to keep up to date on current rights for DACA students and immigration information.
- Informed Immigrant – Know Your Rights
- Informed Immigrant – Know Your Rights – Spanish
- American Immigration Lawyers Association – Find an Immigration Lawyer Tool
- Immi – Search for Legal Help by address or zip code
- ACLU – Know Your Rights
- Mexican American Legal Defense & Educational Fund (MALDEF) – DACA Record Request Toolkit
- Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. – Know your rights when interacting with law enforcement
- Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. – Toolkit for DACA Workshops
- Catholic Legal Immigration Network – DACA Legal Resources
- Catholic Legal Immigration Network – Know Your Rights
- Catholic Legal Immigration Network – How to avoid legal scams
- Immigrant Legal Resource Center – Immigration Resources for Teachers and Educators
- National Immigration Law Center – USCIS Is Accepting DACA Renewal Applications
