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What is DACA?

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.

Need Legal Help with DACA?

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.

Complete AB540 form for Columbia College:

  • AB540 Non-Residence Tuition Exemption Request

Need Help or have questions about AB540

The Dream Resource Center team may help you fill out your AB540 form

Admissions & Records may help answer any questions you have regarding AB540

resources for aB540

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