Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals: Protects young immigrants with undocumented
status from deportation. The program gives those who have approved work authorization
and approvals can be renewed.
Guidelines
Were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012 (that is, you were born on or after June
16, 1981);
Came to the United States before reaching your 16th birthday;
Have continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007, up to the time
of filing your request for DACA;
Were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time of
filing your request for DACA with USCIS;
Had no lawful immigration status on June 15, 2012, and at the time of filing your
request for DACA, meaning that:
You never had a lawful immigration status on or before June 15, 2012, or
Any lawful immigration status or parole that you obtained had expired as of June 15,
2012, and
Any lawful status that you had after June 15, 2012, expired or otherwise terminated
before you submitted your request for DACA;
Are currently enrolled in school, have graduated or obtained a certificate of completion
from high school, have obtained a General Education Development (GED) certificate,
or are an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Coast Guard or armed forces
of the United States; and
Have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor (that is, a misdemeanor
as described in 8 CFR 236.22(b)(6)), or 3 or more other misdemeanors, and do not otherwise
pose a threat to national security or public safety.
what is aB540?
AB540 allows eligible CA high school graduates or students with GED/Hi-SET to pay
in-state tuition regardless of immigration status.
Students must have:
Satisfaction with either of the following:
High School attendance in California for three or more years.
Attainment of credits earned in California from a California high school equivalent
to three or more years of full-time high school coursework and a total of three or
more years of attendance in California elementary schools, California secondary schools,
or a combination of those schools.
Graduated or will graduate from a California high school or obtained a Certificate
or General Education Development (GED), High School Equivalency Test (HiSET), or test
Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC).
Will register or enroll in an accredited and qualifying California college or university.
If applicable, complete(d) an affidavit to legalize immigration status as soon as
you are eligible.
Do not hold a valid non-immigrant visa ( F, J, H, L, A, B, C, D, E, etc. )**
If you meet the requirements above, you should complete the CA Dream Act Application for
financial aid. ( A certified GPA is also necessary for Cal Grant consideration.) Your
college is responsible for verifying your AB 540 eligibility. Check with the Admissions
& Records Office early in the summer before the Fall Term starts.
