Resources for Undocumented Students
Southwestern Oregon Community College welcomes all students regardless of their citizenship status. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, is a status given to certain students who entered the United States from another country before their 16th birthday (and before 2007), have been continually residing and attending school in the U.S., and have graduated high school or attained their GED.
If you are undocumented or have DACA status, the resources below are available to help you meet your education goals.
Resources for Undocumented Students
Oregon Sanctuary Promise
Oregon Sanctuary Promise – For information about Oregon being a sanctuary state and what the Sanctuary Promise law means. Also use this link for investigation by Oregon Department of Justice.
Sanctuary Promise Community Toolkit – Oregon Department of Justice Civil Rights Unit.
Contact information:
1-844-924-STAY (1-844-924-7829)
Spanish Direct Line: 1-844-626-AMPARO (1-844-626-7276)
Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Financial Aid: Oregon Student Aid (ORSAA)
Find out if you qualify for ORSAA: Oregon Student Aid
Oregon residents who have undocumented status, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, and/or Temporary Protected Status (TPS) should submit the ORSAA. Do not complete the ORSAA if you are (1) a U.S. citizen, (2) a legal noncitizen with an Alien Registration number, or (3) an international student who is in the United States with a valid visa.
Unsure if you should complete the FAFSA or ORSAA?
Legal Resources
Immigrant Legal Resource Center – Information and updates from The Immigrant Legal Resource Center
Know your Rights – Your rights when immigration agents come to your home, your job, or approach you in public
Know your Rights (red cards) – A printable and easily sharable list of rights
Oregon Law Center – Free legal help on matters related to farmworker rights, livelihood, residence, medical care, and physical safety against domestic violence
National Immigration Law Center – Dedicated to defending and advocating for the rights of low-income immigrants and providing DACA updates
Other General Resources
Keep Your Benefits – Rules about public benefit programs and immigrants are confusing. Use information in the guide to see if public benefits could affect different immigration options.
How a DREAMer Can Find Financial Support in the U.S. – An overview of navigating the financial system, obtaining help with legal fees & immigration applications, starting your credit journey, finding tuition assistance, purchasing a home, traveling, and more.
United We Dream – Up-to-date information on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)