Undocumented & Mixed Status Family Resources
Undocumented and AB540 student resources
El Centro is committed to seeking out and providing resources, support networks, and personal support for undocumented and AB540 students at UCSC. We work collaboratively with Undocumented Student Services as well as various student organizations such as IDEAS (Improving Dreams, Equality, and Access), that educate the campus community on the issues and concerns of undocumented students. It is through collaboration with supporting groups and through providing various resources on and off campus, that we hope to support undocumented and AB540 students reassuring them that college is possible despite the obstacles, creating a safe and supportive community, not asking students to self-identify, and building a support network of allies/advocates/student organizations/university offices & departments. To find out more on the AB 540 resources, click on the title.
If there are any additional resources you know of that you would like us to feature on this page, contact us at elcentro@ucsc.edu.
What is AB540?
AB540 signed into California state law on October 12, 2001, authorizes undocumented students who meet specific criteria to pay in-state tuition at California’s public colleges and universities. Any undocumented student, except a person in nonimmigrant status, who meets the requirements, shall be exempt from paying nonresident tuition at all public colleges and universities in California.
Requirements
- Must have attended a California high school for 3 years or more,
- Must have graduated from a California high school or attained the equivalent (GED),
- Registered or currently be enrolled at a public California college or university.
Students must also file an affidavit stating they meet the requirements and will apply for legal residency as soon as they are eligible to do so. This affidavit is kept confidential by the college/university and by law is not to be shared with BCIS (formerly INS).
AB540 only provides an exemption to the requirements to pay non-resident tuition. It does not apply to private colleges and universities, it does not grant state or federal financial aid eligibility, or grant legal residency to qualifying students.
On-Campus resources and services
Undocumented Student Services (USS)
Barrios Unidos builds a foundation for peace, healing, and community development. With a long-term vision of establishing an Institute for Peace, the organization supports local and national efforts for restorative justice and community healing.
Immigration Legal Services
If you or your loved one needs confidential consultation to assess eligibility for immigration relief programs, assistance with renewing your DACA status or have any questions regarding your status, you can make an appointment with a legal services provider for assistance.
Assembly Bill 21 resources
AB21 was approved and signed by former Governor Brown, pledging access to higher education for every student regardless of immigration status. This campus webpage provides information about AB21 resources that are available to undocumented and DACAmented students at UC Santa Cruz. If you are advised that an immigration officer is expected to enter, will enter, or has entered the campus to execute an immigration order, notify the Campus Counsel’s Office at 831-459-1848 as soon as possible.
Know Your Rights cards and information
Know Your Rights cards are now available for members of the campus community at various campus locations, including the Educational Opportunity Programs at the Academic Resource Center, Hahn Student Services, Kerr Hall, and the resource centers. Students and departments can request cards by emailing vcsas@ucsc.edu.
We encourage all students, staff, and departments to review and share this resource. To request additional cards for your office or community, email vcsas@ucsc.edu. Staying informed helps protect our community.
Please note: If an immigration officer is expected, is about to enter, or has entered campus to carry out an immigration order, UCSC students should call the Dean of Students immediately at 831-502-5009 (available 24/7).
Slug Support
Slug Support can help make connections for students to a multitude of other campus resources.
Off-Campus Resources and advocacy groups
Coalition for Humane Immigrants Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA)
Under the fiscal sponsorship of the United Way, the Coalition for Humane Immigrants Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA), was founded as a multiethnic collaborative of advocacy groups, social service providers, policy makers, and legal services organizations dedicated to advancing the human and civil rights of immigrants and refugees in Los Angeles. In 1993, CHIRLA was officially established as its own 501(c)(3) (i.e. non profit organization).
Learn more about Coalition for Humane Immigrants Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA)
Mexican American Legal Defense Fund (MALDEF)
Founded in 1968, MALDEF is the nation’s leading Latino legal civil rights organization. Often described as the “law firm of the Latino community”, MALDEF promotes social change through advocacy, communications, community education, and litigation in the areas of education, employment, immigrant rights, and political access.
Learn more about Mexican American Legal Defense Fund (MALDEF)