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Student Resource Guide - DACA/Undocumented


For undocumented and DACA students, choosing the right program is extremely important because of additional logistical, financial, and legal considerations. We are here to help you as you feel comfortable sharing your status and concerns related to your status. Any information you disclose to GO would only be shared with individuals with a legitimate need to know. GO is a cross-cultural requirement, not a study abroad requirement so there are still options within the US to consider.

Students without a legal status in the United States are encouraged not to participate in a program outside of the United States because of the likelihood of not being able to reenter the U.S. The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, commonly known as “DACA”, is a program that allows certain people who came to the United States as children and meet several guidelines may request consideration of deferred action. DACA has been in a period of changes since 2017, and it has been unclear the future of the DACA program. Depending on the DACA student’s specific immigration history, leaving the U.S., even with the Advance Parole approval, could have serious negative consequences for their future immigration process. Therefore, we strongly recommend that any DACA student seek the counsel of an experienced immigration lawyer. While traveling internationally may be possible for some DACA students, given the uncertainty of being able to reenter the U.S., we suggest that DACA students set up an advising meeting with a GO advisor to talk about their program options, including participating in a domestic program.

We cannot guarantee re-entry back into the U.S. for DACA students, even if you participate in an SU GO program. 

Questions to ask:
  • As an undocumented or DACA student, what are your academic and personal goals for participating in a GO program?
  • Have you consulted with an immigration attorney regarding your status?
  • Do you have the necessary government-issued identification to travel by airplane within the U.S. or abroad? If not, can you get to your location by ground transportation?
  • What is your host institution or program’s policy for undocumented or DACA students?
  • Does the program or institution have an advisor or student support services for undocumented or DACA students?
  • Are you eligible to renew your DACA benefits in the near future?
  • Are there additional funding sources you can look into?
  • Is there an immigrant rights advocacy agency near your program’s location that could provide support if needed?
  • Based on your intersecting identity factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and citizenship status, how will you be perceived in your host community? What stereotypes or assumptions might you encounter?