DACA & Undocumented Students

The School of Education considers applications for graduate programs, regardless of citizenship status, based upon academic merit and achievement. We are morally committed to supporting all of students regardless of the identities they hold.

Today is a good day for us to remember our individual and collective legacies of constructive resilience in the face of destructive forces. The Trump administration's decision to end DACA—a decision that affects 800,000 individuals who work, study and serve this country alongside us and a decision that leaves them with no option of retaining their status—is an act of grievous injustice. Any policy that cuts off possibilities for education and employment, on the basis of distinctions stemming from racist and xenophobic ideologies, violates fundamental human rights. We believe in upholding the dignity and full capacity of every human being. We believe no human being is illegal, and we stand in solidarity with our DACAmented and undocumented students and colleagues…

Read full statement of Dean Koirala on Facebook

• What you need to know about the end of DACA
• View the Educators 4 Fair Consideration website for the latest news
• To support undocumented students please consider donating to the SOE's Undocumented Student Scholarship Fund.

Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities Statement:

USF has joined with the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities to express their unwavering support for Undocumented students.

Read full Statement of AJCU President

The University of San Francisco considers applications for graduate programs, regardless of citizenship status, based upon academic merit and achievement. Your application will be handled with the utmost confidentiality and care. Please contact Nicole Cuadro, the Admissions & Outreach Director, for guidance with your application.

USF Magis Scholarship for Undocumented/DACA Graduate Students — For more information, please contact Lori Prince, lprince2@usfca.edu.

School of Education scholarship for undocumented students — online application. If you have questions about the application, please contact the School of Education, schoolofeducation@usfca.edu.

The University of San Francisco's faculty and administrators are committed to helping undocumented students navigate the university. Whether a current or prospective student, these individuals are a great resource, for questions & support. All inquiries will be handled not only with the utmost care & confidentiality, but genuine compassion.

School of Education Admissions
Nicole Cuadro
Admissions & Outreach Director
Email: ncuadro@usfca.edu
Telephone: (415) 422-2107

Undocumented Student Group at USF
Genevieve Negrón-Gonzales
Assistant Professor, Higher Education and Student Affairs
Student Group Adviser
Email: gnegrongonzales@usfca.edu

Chicanx/Latinx & Indigenous Studies
Karina Hodoyan
Associate Professor
Email: kahodoyan@usfca.edu
Telephone: (415) 422-5964

University Ministry
Luis Bazan
Associate Director
Email: lebazan@usfca.edu
Telephone: (415) 422-2708

For General Questions please contact the Office of Diversity Engagement and Community Outreach at diversity@usfca.edu or call (415) 422-282.

Undocumented Students seeking additional support & resources may explore any of the following Non-Profit & Advocacy Groups for more information.

• Resources for DACA
• Dream Act Information
• Dream Act FAQ

External Non-Profit Advocates

• California Dream Network
• United We Dream
• Carcen
• Choose Your Future
• Asian Americans Advancing Justice
• UndocuBlack
• Aspire for Justice
• ACLU
• Immigration Direct
• The National Immigration Youth Alliance
• 21 Progress
• Latinos Progresando
• American Immigration Council
• Immigration Pact
• Immigrant Youth Justice Alliance
• United African Organization
• Health San Francisco

AB 540

• Not One More

The University of San Francisco does not provide Legal Support/Counseling, but Undocumented students may seek out the following legal advocacy groups for support & information.

• MALDEF
• Salef
• AILA
• National Immigration Law Center
• Immigration Legal Resource Center
• Immigrant Justice

The School of Education is dedicated to promoting awareness & understanding of the issues, values and concerns surrounding Undocumented Students.

Directly borrowed from the Office of Diversity & Community Engagement the following terminology is often used in discussions surrounding Undocumented Students.

Cultural citizenship— Used to describe undocumented people who take part in the class, cultural, and linguistic knowledge and skills that establish the cultural capital of social groups in the U.S.

DREAMer — Refers to undocumented students who benefit from the DREAM Act. DREAMer is commonly used by students who connect with the DREAM Act movement and as a way to navigate away from the negative connotations given to terms such as undocumented, immigrant, and non-U.S. citizen.

Entry without inspection — Refers to individuals who have entered the U.S. without presenting normative government accreditation (i.e. visa).

Financial aid — Commonly refers to financial assistance available through the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid and the state of California. Student aid covers school expenses such as tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and transportation. Learn more about financial aid for undocumented students.

Illegal — A racially charged slur used to dehumanize and discriminate against immigrants and people of color regardless of migratory status. The word is shorthand for "illegal alien," "illegal immigrant" and other harmful terms. The Applied Research Center (ARC) and Colorlines.com, have presented the Drop The L-Word campaign to eradicate the slur from everyday use and public discourse.

International student — Includes any student who currently holds a visa of any type or is seeking a visa. Undocumented students are not considered international applicants because many do not qualify for a visa and, therefore, do not have to go through the international admission process.

Legal citizenship — Obtained by individuals who are residing in the U.S. legally due to the attainment of permanent residency or citizenship through a visa or green card. These individuals obtain a social security number (SSN).

Mixed status family — Families in which one or more members are undocumented. It is important to know this information because it may affect the way a student fills out their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Non-citizen —Applies to students who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents, do not hold a valid visa, or are not seeking a visa for study or documentation for residency in the U.S.

Overstayed visa — Refers to individuals who have stayed in the U.S. after their tourist, visitor, or student visa has expired.

Unauthorized — Used to describe individuals who possess a birth certificate or identification card but are residing in the U.S. without legal authorization.

Undocumented student — Refers to students who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents, do not hold a visa, or have not applied for legal residency. In many, cases the term non-citizen refers to undocumented students. These students are eligible to be admitted to USF. Undocumented students are not eligible for federal financial aid.