Resources for Undocumented Students

Rutgers University–Newark (RU–N) is committed to ensuring that we remain a place not just open to, but inclusive and fully nurturing of, people of all backgrounds. RU–N reaffirms the university’s commitment to remaining a safe space for all to learn. Our students, faculty, and staff work together and take action on issues of importance to the university and to our greater community. Indeed, this spirit of collaboration is embedded in our strategic plan, which we will continue to implement vigorously so our university remains a place of access and opportunity for students of all backgrounds.

With the recent announcement about DACA, Rutgers University-Newark stands in solidarity with members of our community and beyond who have applied for DACA protection.   Beyond standing together, members of our community have been asked to act by writing to our representatives in Congress via the Rutgers Advocacy webpage.

In full support of our undocumented students, Rutgers University-Newark would like to pass on information and FAQs issued on March 27, 2018, by The Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration. 

Students, families, faculty, and staff can access information on the following topics: 

• Higher Education Access and Undocumented Students
• Employment Authorization
• Non-Employment Based Educational Funding Opportunities
• ICE Raids and Site Visits

Undocumented Student Services, Office of the Dean of Students

The Office of the Dean of Students is happy to provide services to support undocumented and DACA students on our campus. 

Undocumented Support Services offers: 

• Safe Space for undocumented & DACA students.
• One-on-One Support to navigate resources.
• Case Management and Referrals to campus and community resources: including health and wellness and student support services. 
• Community Building and leadership development opportunities.
• Graduation/post-grad planning for career success.
• Collaboration with Attorney Jason Hernandez for legal support.

Drop-in Office Hours:

• Monday, 9am -12 pm
• Wednesday, 11 am - 2 pm

Students can schedule an appointment by contacting the Office directly.

Yuriana Garcia Tellez, Senior Program Coordinator 

• Email: y.garcia@rutgers.edu
• Telephone: 848-209-5123 
• Office Address: 350 MLK Jr. Drive, Suite 302

All services are confidential.

Legal Support On-Campus

Rutgers Immigrant Community Assistance Project (RICAP)

All students currently enrolled at Rutgers are eligible for a free and confidential legal consultation with the attorney.  Students are encouraged to stop by RICAP and meet the staff.  The RICAP office is located on the 4th floor of the Law School's Clinical suite in the Center for Law and Justice.  RICAP is also located in Camden and New Brunswick.  Jason Hernandez, the attorney for RICAP, has more than five years experience working in a refugee resettlement and immigration legal service non-profit organization.  

Update on DACA Renewal Application as of Tuesday, 1/16/2018

Rutgers Advisory Re: Rescission of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals

1. Your DACA is valid until its expiration date. DACA and work permits (employment authorization documents) will remain valid until their expiration date. To determine when your DACA and work permit expire, check your I-765 Approval Notice and the bottom of your employment authorization document (EAD).
    
2. No new DACA applications will be accepted. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will not accept or process first-time applications for DACA after September 5, 2017. If you have a pending first-time application that was accepted by USCIS on or before September 5, 2017, it will be processed normally.
    
3. If you already have DACA and want to renew it: DACA issuances and work permits that expire between now and March 5, 2018, must be submitted for renewal by October 5, 2017. If you have a work permit that will expire between now and March 5, 2018, and you want to renew it, you must apply for a two-year renewal of your DACA by October 5, 2017. If you currently have a DACA renewal application pending, it will be processed normally.
    
4. Advance parole to travel abroad is no longer available. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will no longer grant DACA recipients permission to travel abroad through advance parole. Any pending applications for advance parole will not be processed, and DHS will refund any associated fees. If your application for advance parole was previously approved, and your advance parole period is still valid, you will retain the benefit until it expires.
    
5. Rutgers is here to support you. Students are encouraged to contact Jason Hernandez, attorney at the Rutgers Immigrant Community Assistance Project, to schedule a free and confidential consultation. He can be reached at jason.c.hernandez@rutgers.edu or 856-225-2302.

* The above information is derived from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the National Immigration Law Center . Information available here. 

Jason Hernandez, Immigration Rights Attorney, Rutgers University

• Email: jason.c.hernandez@rutgers.edu
• Telephone: 856-225-2302
   

The CARE Team

The CARE Team is a network of Rutgers-Newark staff members who provide support for multiple student needs, including academic and health concerns. The team’s goal is to raise awareness so that the university community recognizes when a student needs help and responds to the concern, which ensures the safety of the whole community and provides maximum support for the student. If you would like help from a CARE Team member, please call 973.353.1033.

Financial Aid

Undocumented students can take advantage of several programs offered by Rutgers University–Newark. For more information please reach out to the Office of Financial Aid at Rutgers University–Newark to make an appointment with a Financial Aid counselor.

NJ Alternative Resources

NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application

Learn more information on the NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application.
 

On Wednesday, May 9, 2018, Governor Murphy signed legislation that would make NJ State Aid available to NJ Dreamers. To learn more, please visit here.

• More Financial Aid Information (English Version)
• More Financial Aid Information (Espanol Version)
   

New Jersey Dream Act 

For more information about qualifying for in-state tuition under the Tuition Equality Act, also known as the New Jersey Dream Act, contact the Admissions Office and/or the Office of Financial Aid. 

RU–N to the TOP

The Rutgers University–Newark Talent and Opportunity Pathways (RU–N to the TOP) program is a financial aid program that provides a “last dollar” scholarship, meaning that this scholarship will cover the cost of in-state tuition and mandatory school fees after all federal, state, and internal/external scholarships and grants have been applied.

Scholarship Opportunities for Undocumented Students

The Dream.US

TheDream.US affirmed continued support via a statement for our Rutgers University-Newark scholarship recipients.

RU–N partners with The Dream.US, a scholarship fund for DREAMers across the nation. This fund provides scholarships of up to $12,500 for students who are transferring into Rutgers University–Newark with an associate's degree. The scholarship helps cover tuition, fees, books, supplies, and transportation expenses for those who would otherwise be unable to attend college.

Potential applicants must have DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) or TPS (Temporary Protected Status) approval and must meet other academic and financial qualifications. TheDream.US scholar page will provide you information on deadlines and answers to other frequently asked questions. You can also get more information from the following sources:

• Email: TheDream.US@applyists.com (reference TheDream.US Scholarship Program)
• Telephone: 1.855.670.ISTS (4787) (ask for TheDream.US Scholarship Program)

If you are an undergraduate student and a Dream.US scholar, contact Ingrid Renderos if you have any questions.

Hispanic Scholarship Foundation

The Hispanic Scholarship Foundation is awarding scholarships to high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate students, and community college transfers. Awards range from $500 to $5,000. This scholarship opportunity is open to undocumented students with DACA.

MALDEF

Since MALDEF’s founding, the civil rights organization has supported the next generation of civil rights advocates for the Latino community. MALDEF currently offers a Scholarship Resource Guide for high school, college, and graduate students, plus a Law School Scholarship Program for law students.

Golden Door Scholars

Golden Door Scholars provides scholarships for DACA students and scholarships for undocumented students. High school seniors or recent graduates may qualify, but preference will be given to high school graduates from states that require undocumented students to pay out-of-state tuition.

LGBTQ and Intercultural Resource Center

The LGBTQ and Intercultural Resource Center is dedicated to creating a safe, brave, and welcoming space for students regardless of race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender, or immigration status. In addition to working with LGBT and diverse student organizations to help plan and market their events, the Center provides training and workshops designed to increase the cultural competencies of students, staff, faculty, and community members. If you are interested in getting involved on campus or if you would like to increase your awareness around diverse issues, please contact us.

Student Organizations

We have organizations that provide support for undocumented students. First, RU Dreamers is an on-campus student organization approved by The Office of Student Life. They advocate for adequate access to higher education regardless of one's legal status, and they seek to provide a safe space on campus for undocumented undergraduate students and their advocates. Please email the RU Dreamers for more information. Undocumented students can learn more about student organizations by visiting The Office of Student Life. 

Online Directory Privacy

If you are currently registered at RU–N, your student information will appear in our online directory, also known as a “People Search.” To see how your name appears, go to Rutgers.edu, type your name in the search box, and press "Enter." Right above your name, click on "People." You will see the information currently on display in the online directory.

The names of currently registered students must be displayed. If you click the tab "Changes and Corrections" at the bottom of the page, however, you can follow the steps for how to hide personal information that appears in the directory.

Study Abroad

RU–N offers a study abroad program. If you decide to travel abroad, you should know that if your DACA and/or advance parole document is revoked while you are abroad, you may not be allowed by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to re-enter the country. You are strongly advised against making long-term trips abroad or make semester study abroad plans until we have more concrete information.

Campus Safety

Rutgers University police does not inquire into nor record the immigration status of students or other persons unless a serious crime has been committed.

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policy characterizes colleges and universities as “sensitive locations,” which are places where, in the normal course of things, enforcement actions should not occur unless extraordinary circumstances exist.

Off-Campus Educational Resources

Immigrant Legal Resources Center

Provides education to immigrants, community organizations, and legal professionals on a number of issues.

Up to date information on DACA, https://www.ilrc.org/daca. 

undocuJersey

The mission of undocuJersey is to offer events, educational resources, and scholarships for undocumented students and documented students with undocumented parents.

My (Un)documented Life

The mission at the My Undocumented Life blog is to provide up-to-date information and resources for undocumented immigrants. My Undocumented Life posts scholarship opportunities that are open to undocumented students, strategies for navigating the educational system, information on how to apply for DACA/Advanced Parole, news on DAPA, and much more.

Educators for Fair Consideration

A fiscally sponsored project of Community Initiatives founded in 2006, Educators for Fair Consideration (E4FC) empowers undocumented young people to achieve educational and career goals through personal, institutional, and policy transformation. We envision an America where all young people can pursue and complete an education with confidence and without constraint.

Pre-Health Dreamers (PHD)

Pre-Health Dreamer’s mission is to support undocumented pre-health students through serving as a community of students and allies offering peer support and professional development.

College Board Blog

The College Board maintains a blog specifically for undocumented students.

Supporting Undocumented Youth

You can read and/or download this Resource Guide from the US Department of Education.