WASHINGTON HOUSE BILL 1079DEFERRED ACTION FOR CHILDHOOD ARRIVALS

(DACA)THE DREAM ACT

Supporting Undocumented Students in Higher Ed

JUAN GALLEGOS, ADVISING ABE/ESL Faculty Presentation 3.4.13

A Changing Landscape

U.S. Backdrop

Undocumented immigrants are foreign nationals who:

1) Entered the United States without authorization; or 2) Entered legally but remained in the United States

without authorization1

U.S. census figures show increase in undocumented population:

8.5 million (2000) and 10.8 million (2012)2

In 2000, an estimated 2.5 million undocumented youth were residing in the U.S. and approximately 65,000 undocumented students graduated from high school.3

1 cited from “The College and Financial Guide for AB 540 Undocumented Immigrant Students” (USC Center for Higher Education Policy Analysis)2 cited from “Estimates of the Unauthorized Immigrant Population Residing in the United States: January 2010” (Office of Immigration Statistics)3 cited from Pew Hispanic Center

Washington State

An estimated 34,000-42,500 undocumented youth under the age of 18 reside in Washington State.4

In 2003, Governor Gary Locke signed into law House Bill 1079 (HB 1079) which grants eligible persons residing in WA state in-state tuition rates for Washington’s public colleges and universities.

Proposed SB 5087 (Sen. Benton & Sheldon) would reverse HB 1079 in Washington state

LEAP proposals to qualify WA State Need Grant to HB 1079 students

4 Cited from Passel, J.S. “Estimates of the size and characteristics of the undocumented population.” Pew Hispanic Center

Washington House Bill 1079 (HB 1079)

What it DoesQualifies students for

in-state tuition rates at Washington’s public colleges and universities

What it Doesn’t DoDoes not qualify

students for financial aid

Does not change a student’s legal citizenship status Eligibility:

1. Have earned a high school diploma or GED from a Washington state high school; and

2. Have lived in Washington state for at least 3 years prior to receiving a high school diploma or GED; and

3. Have resided continuously in Washington since earning that credential; and

4. Intend to apply for permanent residency as soon as they become eligible.

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

What it DoesDiscretionary relief

from deportation for 2 years

Legal work authorization permit and an SSN

What it Does Not DoDoes not provide a

pathway to citizenshipDoes not establish

eligibility for financial aid

Eligibility:

1. Between 15 and 31 years of age and physically present in the U.S. on June 15th, 2012; and

2. Arrived in the US before age 16; and3. Lived continuously in the US between June 15th 2007 and June 15th

20112; and4. Currently in school, have received a high school diploma or GED or

were honorably discharged from the US Coast Guard or Armed Services; and

5. Have not been convicted of a felony or significant misdemeanor.

The Dream Act

The Development, Relief, and Education for Minors (DREAM) Act was first proposed in 2001 by Sen. Orin Hatch (R-UT)

Versions of the bill have been debated since then; the last debate was held in 2010

The DREAM Act would provide eligible undocumented persons a pathway to citizenship based on the completion of higher education or military service

Implications for Higher Ed

Awareness of DACA is spreading and communities are mobilizing to apply for deferred action

DACA means that, for the first time for many, undocumented persons can work legally in the U.S.

This income can support education and job training

An increase in HB 1079 applications will more than likely result in increased enrollment of undocumented students.

Promising Practices: Washington State University

Bilingual information on HB 1079 housed on website

Promising Practices: Illinois Institute of Technology

Undocumented Students and Allies student club on campus

Instituted an Associate Director Minority Outreach and Undocumented Student Liaison staff role on campus

Highline Community College

Partnered with the Northwest Immigrants Right Project, a local 501c3, to provide free DACA screening and referral services

Provides information on scholarships for undocumented students

Promising Practices: North Seattle Community College

Raised $23,000 for the NSCC-LEAP Phyllis Gutierrez Kenney scholarship for HB 1079 students

Awarded the first scholarship in 2013 for $3,000 by matching funds with LEAP

Recommendations for Supporting Undocumented Students

Create a safe space—cite FERPAEducation Planning may need to take into

account periods of time when students are unable to take classes

Familiarize yourself with HB 1079/DACAConnect students with Fleetwood Wilson

(Residency Coordinator) to complete HB 1079 affidavits