Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
Under DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), undocumented immigrants who meet specific criteria are granted protection from deportation, access to Social Security numbers, and renewable two-year work permits. The DACA policy was introduced in 2012. However, significant changes have occurred since then.
Since 2021, the U.S. government will not grant any new DACA requests. In January 2025, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the program was unlawful, although a stay remains in place to allow existing recipients to continue renewing their protection and work authorization.
There is no federal law that requires proof of U.S. citizenship for admission to colleges and universities in the U.S. Most institutions, including the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM), set their own admission policies, and many are open to undocumented students. While being undocumented can limit some options, numerous colleges and universities, like UWM, accept undocumented students and may offer scholarships, financial aid, and resources to support them.
Students should thoroughly research schools to understand their admissions policies for undocumented individuals. This may include directly contacting admissions offices, such as those at UWM, to inquire about their procedures for undocumented applicants and the financial aid opportunities available. UWM, like many other institutions, may offer dedicated support for undocumented students and provide guidance on how to navigate the admissions process.
Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), school officials are generally prohibited from disclosing personal information — including immigration status — without the student’s consent, except for directory information, which students may also opt to protect (but must indicate they want to block directory information from public release).
Students should feel confident seeking advice from high school teachers and counselors, who can often connect them with resources like college admissions counselors at UWM, scholarship opportunities, or peer networks of other undocumented students.
Aside from immigration status, undocumented students are just like any other students in their academic aspirations. Each college or university, including UWM, has its own admissions criteria, and students should take steps to ensure they meet the general requirements. While the details may vary by institution, focusing on academic preparation, extracurricular activities, and a strong application can help improve the chances of acceptance.
Adapted from College Guide for Undocumented Students
Know Your Rights
Everyone living in the United States—including undocumented immigrants—has certain basic rights under the U.S. Constitution.
- Know Your Rights (PDF) (English & Spanish) (National Immigrant Law Center)
- Know Your Rights Card (Immigrant Legal Resource Center)
Source: Educators for Fair Consideration
Best Schools.Org’s College Guide Series for Undocumented Students
Resources
- Finance in the U.S. as a DREAMer: Support & Resources
- Undocumented Student Task Force – DACA Student Toolkit (PDF)
- Step-by-Step Guide for DREAMers Applying for DACA
- Expert Advice and Resources for Undocumented College Students
- Students’ Guide to DACA Phaseout
Educational Benefits
Resources below include resources for both DACA & undocumented students.
- Dream.US college access and success program for DREAMers
- Scholarships for Undocumented Undergrad Students
Paying for College
Students can apply for any scholarship that does not require U.S. citizenship and/or state residency. Even if the application asks for a social security number, it is wise to ask whether an Individual Taxpayer Number (ITIN) will be sufficient. (See how to obtain an ITIN.)
- Q & As About Paying For College
- RHC Scholarship List (Note: Undocumented students/DACAmented students may not be eligible for all of the scholarships listed. Read requirements before applying).