Highline College Library: Undocumented Students Resources: Home

Undocumented Students

Overview of Undocumented Students (From Immigrants Rising)

An undocumented student is a foreign national who: (1) entered the United States without inspection or with fraudulent documents; (2) entered legally as a nonimmigrant but then violated the terms of his or her status and remained in the United States without authorization; (3) has Deferred Action Childhood Arrival (“DACA”) status or has previously had DACA; or (4) is otherwise currently in the process of legalizing.
Most undocumented students:

Have lived in the United States most of their lives
Have learned English
Have attended elementary, middle, and high school in the United States
Have completed high school and want to pursue a college education
Currently lack a way to become legal residents or citizens of the United States

General Resources

Undocumented Student Resources (Pacific Lutheran Univ.)
National Resources for Undocumented Students (The Learning Center)
A general listing of resources from the organizations such as College Greenlight, My Undocumented Life, Immigrants Rising, United We Dream, and others.
Six Things Undocumented Students Need to Know About College (College Board)
1. You Can Go to College
2. You're Not Alone
3. You Can Find a College That Fits You
4. You’ll Apply Like Any Other Student
5. Your Options May Change
6. You Can Find Resources to Help You
Resource Guide for Undocumented Students (The Best Schools)
Provides resources under these broad categories:
• Legal Support for Undocumented Students
• Advocacy for Undocumented Students
• Government Agencies for Undocumented Students
• Educational Support for Undocumented Students
• Financial Support for Undocumented Students
• Frequently Asked Questions
Resources for Undocumented College Students (Informed Immigrant)
Resources on:
• Undocumented Parents: First Steps to College for your Children
• Options for Undocumented High School Students
• Resources for Applying to College as an Undocumented Student
• Guide for Undocumented High School and College Students
• Resources for Undocumented College Students
Resources for Undocumented and DACA Students (Immigrant Learning Center)
From the site: “Teachers play a vital role for undocumented students and their families. This collection of resources compiled by The ILC Public Education Institute includes information about undocumented students’ rights, emergency planning guides, lists of scholarships and guides for teachers.”

Applying to College

Student Residency (Washington Student Achievement Council)
See section "Requirements for students with any citizenship or immigration status"
Resources for Applying to College as an Undocumented Student (Informed Immigrant)
From the site: “There is no federal law against U.S. colleges and universities accepting undocumented students. Higher education access is determined at the institutional and state levels, meaning each state has different laws and policies in place that determine if and how undocumented students are able to access in-state tuition, if they qualify for state financial aid, and, in very few cases, whether they may even be admitted to the state’s public universities.”
College Application Guide for Undocumented Students (Best Colleges)
Information about “the important steps undocumented students need to take to complete the college application process”.
8 Things All Undocumented Students Should Know About Applying to College (Fastweb)
From the site: “In this guide, we’ll share important information on admission, tuition, and financial aid policies for undocumented students. Plus, we’ll give you helpful tips on applying to college in the United States.”
A Guide for Undocumented Students Applying to College
From the site: “In this guide, we’ll share important information on admission, tuition, and financial aid policies for undocumented students. Plus, we’ll give you helpful tips on applying to college in the United States.”

Financing College

Submit the WASFA (Highline College Financial Aid Department)
From the site: The Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) is for financial aid from the state and some college aid, and is only for people who don’t fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) due to immigration status—including being undocumented—or other federal aid eligibility issues.
For Undocumented Students: Questions and Answers About Paying for College (College Board)
Proves frequently asked questions and answers for undocumented student with questions about college costs and financial aid.
Financial Aid for Undocumented Students and DACA Recipients (The Best Schools)
From the site: “Applying for college financial aid is a difficult process, and it’s even more complicated for students without U.S. citizenship. This guide seeks to help undocumented learners navigate their financial aid options.”
Undocumented/TPS/DACA Scholarships (Scholarships.com)
A list of scholarships and fellowships that don’t require proof of U.S. citizenship. The list has general application eligibility requirements, including education level, region/state, and immigration status (e.g. DACA, TPS, in-state tuition eligibility).
List of Scholarships and Fellowships (Immigrants Rising)
College Scholarships (My Undocumented Life)
A variety of scholarships available to undocumented students,
A Guide for Undocumented Students Applying to College (NICHE)
From the site: “In this guide, we’ll share important information on admission, tuition, and financial aid policies for undocumented students. Plus, we’ll give you helpful tips on applying to college in the United States.”

Highline College Resources

Undocumented Students (Highline College)
Sections on:
• Tuition
• DACA Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
• Undocumented Students and Financial Aid
We Support Our Undocumented and DACA Students! (Highline College TRiO Program)
The Highline College TRIO program “encourage our Highline students who have undocumented and/or DACA status to consider applying for TRiO.” TRiO programs provide comprehensive assistance, support, and encouragement to low-income, first-generation students, and students with disabilities. The TRiO team creates a supportive environment that celebrates the achievements of TRiO students.
Submit the WASFA (Highline College Financial Aid Department)
The Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) is for financial aid from the state and some college aid, and is only for people who don’t fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) due to immigration status—including being undocumented—or other federal aid eligibility issues.
Residency for Tuition Purposes
Under the "information about Residency" box look for the "Undocumented Students and Financial Aid" and the "Resources for Undocumented Students" links.

Mental Health

UndocuHealth ((United We Dream Org.)
Includes links to a Mental Health Toolkit; a Mental Health Directory; UndocuHealth Webinars; and Updates
Understanding Undocumented Students’ Mental Health Challenges (Best Colleges)
From the site: “Provides tips for managing the emotional and spiritual well-being of yourself and others.”
Mental Health for Immigrants: Taking Care of Yourself & Loved Ones (Informed Immigrant)
From the site: “Provides tips for managing the emotional and spiritual well-being of yourself and others.”
Mental Health Resources for Undocumented People (Immigrants Rising)
Includes resources for Getting Immediate Help; National Mental Health Therapist Directories; National Free Wellness Support Groups; and National Mental Health Resources.