undocu matter in blue on gray background with blue butterlies and orange dotsUndocumented/daca resources

Our community and technical college system will continue to open our doors and hearts to the rich diversity of students we serve. We stand firmly with our students in supporting their dreams – it is at the heart of what we do.

Cascadia Undocumented Student Team

Support for Dreamer and Undocumented current and prospective students at Cascadia College.

The Undocumented Student Team is comprised of staff, faculty, and a student representative to serve as a centralized way to collect and be familiar with current and correct information related to Dreamer/Undocumented students, communicate this information to the internal and external campus community, and discuss supports.

Contact a team member: undocu@cascadia.edu 

Please click the Team Charter link for additional information about support and membership. [currently under revision, 6/27/19]


How to Apply for State Aid

Step One: Apply Online

Students should apply online for State Aid at: www.readysetgrad.org/WASFA.

Eligibility requirements for DACA STANDARD include:

  • You must have a DACA status (can be expired or unexpired).
  • You also need to live in Washington for one year (for reasons other than education) prior to enrolling in college.

Eligibility requirements for 1079 STANDARD include:

  • You must graduate from a Washington high school (or earn a GED or equivalent) after living in Washington for at least three consecutive years.
  • Live in Washington after earning high school diploma or equivalent until being admitted to college.
  • Sign an affidavit (written promise) saying you meet the above requirements. Non-U.S. Citizens must also promise that they will apply to become a permanent U.S. resident as soon as they are eligible. The affidavit is included as part of the WASFA.
  • Both students without DACA or with DACA can qualify.

*Students granted deferred action for childhood arrival (DACA) must also complete and sign the affidavit.

To ensure you are applying on time, and you are meeting all eligibility requirements, please visit the ReadySetGrad website regularly.

Step Two: Log into the Financial Aid Portal

When you have completed your WASFA application, log into your ctcLink account to check your file status and, once awarded, view your awards.

Launch your ctcLink account in the Firefox browser or on your mobile device.

Once we have received your WASFA, we will contact you via email if we require further documentation. This could include, but is not limited to, proof of high school/GED completion, affidavit form, financial/income information etc. Any additional information will be listed on your Financial Aid Portal. Please be sure to check your ctcLink account regularly for ALL updates.

NOTE: You will not have access to the Portal until we have received your WASFA. A Welcome Email with instructions on how to access your Portal will be emailed to you upon submission of your WASFA.

The Student Financial Services staff is dedicated to processing files timely. Files are processed in date order by your file complete date, which can be viewed on the Portal. Our normal processing timeframe is 4-6 weeks from your file complete date, or the time in which we begin awarding for the academic year (July 1 – June 30), whichever date is later. During peak processing times (typically Summer and Fall quarters) when there is a high volume of students to award, processing time increases. During these time periods, please allow 9-11 weeks for your file to be processed.

NOTE: Our office typically begins to process files for each new academic year in approximately mid-June.

If you have any questions about your WASFA application, please contact Student Financial Services at 425-352-8860 or the Washington Student Achievement Council at 360-753-7800.


2021-22 Updates

October 14, 2022 - statement by washington's community and technical college system in support of daca students

The Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, along with presidents and
trustees of the state’s 34 community and technical colleges, today released the following joint
statement regarding an October 5, 2022 decision by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. The court
upheld a lower court’s ruling that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program is
unlawful. The court also ruled current DACA enrollees could renew their status and sent the case
back to a lower court to consider a regulation enacted by the Biden administration to strengthen
the DACA program against legal challenges. 

Read full statement

august 24, 2022 - DHS ISSUES REGULATION TO PRESERVE AND FORTIFY DACA

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) final rule, which has been posted for public inspection on the Federal Register’s website. The final rule generally codifies existing policies with limited amendments to preserve and fortify DACA. The final rule is effective Oct. 31, 2022. 

For more information, see the DHS News Release

The new rule per DREAMer's Roadmap on Instagram:

  • Maintains the existing threshold criteria for DACA;
  • Retains teh existing process for DACA requestors to seek employment authorization; and
  • Affirms teh longstanding policy that DACA is not a form of lawful status but that DACA recipients, like other deferred action recipients, are considered "lawfully present" for certain purposes.

july 14, 2021 - Senate Bill 5194 Residency Section

Effective July 25, 2021, Senate Bill 5194 significantly changes Washington’s tuition equity law. Section
nine of the bill amends RCW 28B.15.012(2)(e), making it easier for all Washingtonians, including and
especially undocumented students, to meet residency requirements for tuition and state financial aid.
Since 2003, this part of residency law has been known informally as “HB 1079” for the bill that created
it. This law may be met by any student, regardless of citizenship or legal immigration status. It is one
of the many ways that students can meet residency requirements. The other ways to meet residency
requirements still exist.

More information and details coming. When available, it will be added to the "how to apply" section above. Please contact undocu@cascadia.edu with any questions.


Washington State Scholarship List for Undocumented Students

For students by students.

The 6th Annual Beyond HB 1079 Conference presented a scholarship list that is geared towards the undocumented student community. This resource was created and produced by students. Please click on the link below to access the PDF.

Washington State Scholarship List 2018

2021 LEAP Rise Above Scholarship for Latinx Students

Previously called the LEAP 1%

LEAP Scholarship - Due June 1st, 2021

The Rise Above Scholarship provides financial support for Latinx students who demonstrate advocacy, accountability, perseverance, and have shown a commitment to improving their community. Students can potentially receive up to $5,000 towards their education. It is open to any student regardless of citizenship status.

Other Scholarships


Resources and More Information

Undocumented/DACA Training Resources and Information

  • 21 Progress: Provides high quality leadership development training/education programs that unite, develop, and empower emerging leaders – including young adults, immigrants, refugees, and people of color – to build thriving communities. 21progress.org/
  • My Undocumented Life: A national organization with up-to-date information and resources for undocumented students. It offers extensive information for high school students, college students, graduate students, and educators. https://mydocumentedlife.org/
  • Northwest Immigrant Rights Project:Free DACA renewal clinics
  • One America: The largest immigrant and refugee advocacy organization in Washington State, and offers support, resources, research, and community organizing. https://www.oneamerica.com/
  • Washington Dream Coalition: A non-profit network of young, undocumented immigrants and allies. https://www.facebook.com/WADreamCoalition/
  • United We Dream: A national organization with training guides/toolkits and research/publication related to the undocumented student experience and supporting undocumented students.
  • The University of Washington Leadership Without Borders: A regional educational leader in the collection and sharing of information to support undocumented students. Information for families, community members, and allies, including UndocuAlly training. http://depts.washington.edu/ecc/lwb/

Undocumented/DACA Counseling and Support Resources


Undocumented/DACA/Dreamer FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions & Misconceptions to help you better understand Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

What is DACA?

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is an administrative policy that will allow eligible undocumented students who came to the U.S. when they were children to receive a two-year deferment of their deportation and work authorization. To view the DACA request forms and find out more information, please visit U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' website.

Are DACA recipients illegal?

DACA is not illegal; people are not illegal. DACA recipients are learning and working as part of a federally approved program. An awareness of word choices used to describe DACA recipients is a great support to our DACA/Dreamer students who are taking classes. Like all students they face stress. DACA students face the additional stress of potentially being separated from undocumented family members who do not have DACA, and referring to them using the appropriate terms creates a sense of support.

Why does Cascadia have an Dreamer/Undocumented Student Team?

Cascadia College is committed to transforming lives in a learning-centered community. We are committed to serving all students, and providing resources and safe spaces to learn. We respond to student and employee requests in the best way possible. The Dreamer/Undocumented Student Team began in response to the need for resources and safe spaces for Dreamer students, and we are committed to continuing the team to provide a supportive and safe learning environment.

What does ICE presence mean?

The U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) enforces federal laws governing border control, customs, trade and immigration to promote homeland security and public safety. Even though Dreamer/Undocumented/DACA students are not illegal, increased policing is bound to raise anxiety even for those abiding by the rules. Given the uncertain future of DACA/DREAM Act 2019 and the fear of being separated from undocumented family members due to deportation, there is an added and undue stress placed on these students.

Cascadia College is in 100% compliance w/ the Federal Education Rights & Privileges Act (F.E.R.P.A.) and will comply with any legal request for information.We protect the rights of all of our students, and comply with all state and federal requirements. We are not voluntarily witholding information, and partner with Campus Safety & Security, Bothell Police Department, and the Assistant Attorney General in any/all requests. For more information about F.E.R.P.A. at Cascadia College, please visit our website. For a more thorough overview, please visit the U.S. Department of Education website.


Undocumented Resources - COVID-19

UWB DACA Fund 

  • For students who reside, work, or go to school in Seattle, El Centro de la Raza is offering scholarships to pay for DACA renewals. DACA Fund Scholarship 

DACA Renewal Materials

Additionally, if you do not have access to a printer, send an email to diana11@uw.edu and it will be mailed.

  • A printed copy of the DACA renewal application
  • A large envelope to mail your app
  • A postage stamp
     

DACA Updates 

  • USCIS offices will be closed until at least May 3rd. All appointments are cancelled but DACA renewals are still being processed so please renew your DACA asap if it is expiring this year.
  • USCIS will use previously submitted
  • The Supreme Court has not yet made a decision on the DACA case. The next date they might make a decision is 4/20. What if SCOTUS takes DACA away? Should we renew anyway? Legal experts are advising DACA recipients to renew their permits ASAP if it expires in 2020.
  • USCIS is using previously submitted biometrics to process renewals for people who have biometrics appointments during their closure. 

Unemployment for DACA recipients 

If you have DACA, you might qualify for unemployment. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) does not list unemployment benefits as public benefits under its new rules on public charge.

For more info, visit the National Employment Law Project.  
 

Undocumented Resources

If you or your family are in need of resources, here is a list of resources (nationally and by state) compiled by undocuscholars.com:

Relief funds

If you are in need of funds here are a few resources:

Archived Communication
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