Supporting Undocumented and Immigrant Teacher Candidates & K-12 Students

This page has two purposes; to support undocumented and immigrant pre-service teacher candidates navigate higher and teacher education, and to offer guidance for in-service teachers on how to best support their undocumented and immigrant students in K-12 classrooms.

The Cal Poly School of Education stands with our undocumented and immigrant students and are committed to ensuring access to a quality and safe education for all. We understand the critical need for a diverse teacher workforce and believe that immigration status should not be a deciding factor in whether a qualified and dedicated future educator has access to a classroom or not. 

Key Resources Regarding Immigration Enforcement on Cal Poly and CSU Campuses

 

Download the pdf of FAQs FOR CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY EMPLOYEES ABOUT FEDERAL IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS ON UNIVERSITY PROPERTY for more detailed information.

 

Resources for Undocumented Pre-Service Teacher Candidates

 

   

Legal Services & Resources

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Dream Center Partnership with Immigrant Legal Defense

Legal services are offered free and confidentially through Cal Poly. Many services are offered including but not limited to, DACA renewals, asylum, family petitions, and application for lawful permanent residence. 

You can find additional information and schedule an appointment with Immigrant Legal Defense through the Cal Poly Dream Center website. 

 

Additional Legal Resources Website or PDF
National Immigration Law Center https://www.nilc.org/
MICOP - MILA https://mixteco.org/immigration/
Immigrant Legal Defense Fellowship Providers Download PDF PDF File
CA Dept of Social Services https://www.cdss.ca.gov/
ITINs, EINs, and Taxes https://immigrantsrising.org/
Find Your Ally https://findyourally.com/

You may be able to get your DACA renewal covered if you are a student or employee affiliated with one of the following entities...

 

California Community Colleges. The largest higher education system in the nation offers a centralized portal to access resources. 

California State University. Find resources offered across the system's 23 campuses. 

University of California. Resources across nine campuses & through the UC Immigrant Legal Services Center.

 …Or access resources from these advocacy organizations.

Syeed, E., Rosas, A., Hammam, F., Shen, S., & Zeferino, F. (2023). The UndocuTeacher Project: Pathways and Practices Report. Long Beach, CA: The UndocuTeacher Project. 

Know Your Rights Under the US Constitution -

No Matter Who is President

 

"No matter who is president, everyone living in the U.S. has certain basic rights under the U.S. Constitution. Undocumented immigrants have these rights, too. It is important that we all assert and protect our basic rights.  

If you find you have to deal with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other law enforcement officers at home, on the street, or anywhere else, remember that you have the rights described in this factsheet. The factsheet also provides suggestions for what you should do to assert your rights."

 

PDF FileDOWNLOAD THE FACT SHEET FROM THE NATIONAL IMMIGRATION LAW CENTER

Obtaining a Certificate of Clearance for a Credential Program

A Certificate of Clearance is required for both student teaching and field experience. Some tips for undocumented students include:

  • State ID's are required, no campus IDs

  • Names need to match across documentation

  • ITIN can be used instead of SSN

  • Completing LiveScan/fingerprinting can be done in various locations, not just police stations

Syeed, E., Rosas, A., Hammam, F., Shen, S., & Zeferino, F. (2023). The UndocuTeacher Project: Pathways and Practices Report. Long Beach, CA: The UndocuTeacher Project. 

Financial Services & Resources

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Financial Assistance Options

Undocumented students have access to various forms of financial assistance including, but not limited to, state aid, institutional grants, private scholarships, and more. To learn about the different resources available please see below. Visit the Cal Poly Dream Center's website to find more information. 

The Cal Poly Financial Aid Office also boasts extensive resources to ensure financial supports are utilized and maximized. Be sure to schedule an appointment with a Financial Aid counselor: financialaid@calpoly.edu

Financial Aid & Scholarships websites
CA Dream Act - Cal Poly Financial Aid https://www.calpoly.edu/financial-aid/
CA Dream Act Video Resource https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkn-pDZf8lM
CA Dream Act Overview https://immigrantsrising.org/resource/ca-dream-act-overview/
AB540 Affidavit & Application https://www.calstate.edu/attend/student-services/
Immigrants Rising List of Scholarships https://immigrantsrising.org/
CCC USS

https://www.ccc-uss.org/financial-assistance.html
Basic needs supports websites
Cal Poly Cares https://basicneeds.calpoly.edu/calpolycares
Cal Poly Food Pantry https://basicneeds.calpoly.edu/foodpantry
Cal Poly Meal Vouchers https://basicneeds.calpoly.edu/mealvoucher

 

Financial Aid & Grant Application Checklist

Immigrants Rising has created a comprehensive toolkit complete with a to do list for anyone seeking aid and scholarships for higher education.  

Download the checklist and ensure you are checking each box to take advantage of financial opportunities available to you. 

Mental Health Services & Resources

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Mental health is a critical component of success in higher education.

Cal Poly Mental Health Services offers individual and group therapy for all Cal Poly students. Campus Health and Wellbeing is dedicated to serving all students regardless of immigration status. Get started taking care of your mental health today.

 

UNDOCU-TALK

UndocuTalk is a space for students who are undocumented, from mixed status families, and their allies who want to speak with therapists (Ana Cabeza, PsyD and Diana Menendez, PsyD) who have gone through UndocuAlly training and work closely with the Dream Center. 

If you have any questions prior to dropping into UndocuTalk please email Dr. Ana Cabezas.

 

Mental Health Connector for Students in CA

Immigrants Rising’s Mental Health Connector provides undocumented students in California with psychological support, allowing them to access their strengths and resiliency to focus on their personal goals and healing journey.

The Mental Health Connector (MHC) program was established in 2018 by our Clinical Director, Dr. Loren Krane. The MHC connects licensed and supervised pre-licensed therapists with undocumented individuals in need of mental health services. Our experienced and culturally responsive therapists volunteer to provide free and completely confidential services, tailored to meet the needs of each individual. Therapists receive ongoing peer consultation and training to better understand the unique experiences of undocumented people.

Get support by visiting the Immigrants Rising Mental Connector website!

Additionally, Immigrants Rising offers an extensive list of mental health resources on their website and via a downloadable pdf. 

National Hotlines and Crisis Support

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call or Text 988. Also available in Spanish.
  • National Alliance on Mental Health: Call 1-800-950-6264 or Text NAMI to 741741
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
  • LGBT National Hotline: 1-888-843-4564
  • The Trevor Lifeline: 1-800-565-8860. Also available in Spanish.
  • Trans Lifeline: 1-888-843-4564
  • BIPOC Blackline: Call or Text 1-800-604-5841
  • National DV Hotline: Call 1-800-799-7233 or Text LOVEIS to 22522
  • National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
  • National Child Abuse Hotline: Call or Text 1-800-422-4453
  • The Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116

Family Safety Guide for Immigrants

"Student leaders from RISE (Rising Immigrant Scholars through Education) worked with allies to develop a “Family Safety Guide for Immigrants” as a tool for undocumented students or students with mixed-status backgrounds to work with loved ones to be prepared in case of detainment. Although there are many similar guides available, this guide combines Know Your Rights; instructions on how to develop a personalized safety plan; and most importantly, templates to assist individuals with preparing a personalized plan. Arising after the presidential election, the guide was conceived by students who were urgently seeking resources that served as a preventative approach to help alleviate fears and a tangible method to help coordinate families during a time of crisis."

Find the guide on the Central Coast Coalition for Undocumented Student Success website. Available in English and Spanish!

Education Career Services & Resources

 
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The UndocuTeacher Project: Pathways + Practices Report

aug 17, 2011

"As the Trump administration set in motion a plan to rescind DACA in 2017, undocumented advocates and allies took legal action to halt the move. Among the various cases that were ultimately heard by the Supreme Court, one lawsuit included several DACA recipients as plaintiffs to demonstrate just how disruptive the action would be to their personal and professional lives. The plaintiffs included an immigrant rights attorney, a future doctor, a mental health practitioner, and two public school teachers.”

Continue reading the full report ›

@undocuteacherproject

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Teaching While Undocumented

Authors: Esa Syeed & Abigail Rosas

"All teachers must contend with the question of how they show up in their classes. For many educators, it’s a matter of acknowledging how factors like race, class, ability, language, and gender have shaped their lives and how those identities carry over into the classroom. But undocumented teachers also face legal challenges that threaten their already precarious status. Sharing their stories or disclosing status are complex acts that carry political, personal, and professional implications." 

Continue reading the article in Rethinking Teaching ›

 

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Should Undocumented Students go to College?

two cents on youtube

Even with tuition rising, going to college will most likely pay off in the form of higher salary. But what if you weren't sure you'd legally be able to get a job after you graduate?

Watch the video on YouTube ›

Education Career Pathways for Fully Undocumented Students

Syeed, E., Rosas, A., Hammam, F., Shen, S., & Zeferino, F. (2023). The UndocuTeacher Project: Pathways and Practices Report. Long Beach, CA: The UndocuTeacher Project. 

 

Resources for K-12 In-Service Educators - How to Support Undocumented and Immigrant Students 

 

Ten Strategies for Supporting Undocumented Students

a woman is kneeling holding the hand of a small boy with a women standing behind him. they are all in a school hallwayCreated by Colorin Colorado (2018) - A bilingual site for educators and families of English language learners

 

  1. Help families keep their emergency contact information updated. This step can make the difference in whether a child goes home with a known caregiver if a family member is detained. Remind all families to update their contact information regularly.
  2. Ensure all staff understand immigrant students’ rights. All K-12 staff have an obligation to protect students' privacy and civil rights, as well as their access to an education, regardless of immigration status. This is critical for staff working in the front office and on enrollment.
  3. Let all students and families know that they are welcome. A welcoming environment that celebrates students' cultures and encourages family leadership creates a strong foundation for relationships, as well as for identifying and addressing challenges.
  4. Create different channels for communication in families’ languages. Schools must communicate in families’ preferred language. Identifying families’ preferred means of contact can also help schools communicate more effectively and efficiently.
  5. Become familiar with relevant immigration policies so that you can answer questions. This may include “sensitive locations guidance” (which directs immigration enforcement to avoid activity in certain public spaces like schools and early childhood centers), district policies on immigration enforcement, discipline policies, and other related program/local/state policies. Ideally, all staff should understand these policies and protocols.
  6. Connect families with resources and provide opportunities for them to ask questions. It is critical to hear from your families about their questions and concerns before determining what kind of support will be most useful. At that point, educators, schools, and/or districts can identify which resources will be appropriate to share in ways that follow district guidelines.
  7. Reach out to community organizations that represent and serve your families. Community partners can provide valuable support and insight regarding immigrant families – as well as volunteers! They can be especially helpful on issues related to meeting students' basic needs and connecting families to legal resources.
  8. Learn how stress, anxiety, and trauma impact students of all ages. The impacts of these stressors will vary based on students’ ages. Learn how different kinds of stressors affect students in your age group; become familiar with age-appropriate forms of self-expression and social-emotional support; and take steps to prevent and address bullying.
  9. Learn more about the ways immigration issues impact students. Immigration policies affect students in complex ways that students may not discuss openly. Learn more about the immigration issues that may impact your students and families, and how to extend that conversation to your school, program, or community.
  10. Provide opportunities for staff to collaborate, debrief, and recharge. Collaboration gives staff the chance to draw upon different perspectives and expertise – which leads to more effective support for students and families. In addition, providing social-emotional support for staff working on challenging issues (or who are impacted by those issues themselves) can help the team sustain their work throughout the year. 

FAQs and Guides 

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How to Support Immigrant Students and Families

Strategies for schools & Early childhood programs

"For many immigrant students, issues around immigration that may be affecting their social-emotional health. Other students may be aware that the issues are affecting classmates or may wish to discuss their opinions around these issues. Here are a number of age-appropriate strategies schools and individual teachers can use to help address those challenges in the classroom and beyond."

Continue reading the guide on the Colorin Colorado website ›

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Immigrant and Refugee Children: A Guide for Educators and School Support Staff

Issue 55, Spring 2017

"This guide was created for educators, school support staff and service providers who teach, mentor and help open the doors of opportunity for undocumented youth and unaccompanied and refugee children currently living in the United States. Educators, school support staff and service providers are often the first individuals a student and/or family comes out to as undocumented."

Continue reading on the Learning for Justice website ›

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Immigrant and Refugee Children: A Guide for Educators and School Support Staff

American federation of teachers

"This guide was created for educators, school support staff and service providers who teach, mentor and help open the doors of opportunity for undocumented youth and unaccompanied and refugee children currently living in the United States. Educators, school support staff and service providers are often the first individuals a student and/or family comes out to as undocumented. Moreover, they are often the first ones to witness the impact of increased enforcement measures on students and their families. It’s critically important that educators, school support staff and service providers know the tools and resources available to help protect and prepare youth and families for an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid."

Continue reading and download the guide ›

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FAQ For Educators on Immigrant Students in Public Schools

ACLU - November 15, 2017

"In recent months, the ACLU has received numerous inquiries, questions, and concerns about the vulnerabilities and rights of immigrant and perceived immigrant students in our public education system. Educators and school districts have been among those seeking guidance on how best to serve their immigrant students and meet their legal obligations."

Continue reading on the ACLU website ›

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Stress Related to Immigration Status in Students:  A Brief Guide for Schools  

Edwards, L. & Black, J - Marquette University

"This brief guide is designed to provide an overview of detention, deportation, and other immigration status-related stress and its effect on children and families, as well as suggestions for how school personnel can support families in the context of this unique stressor. Please note that the information included in this document was obtained from published reports as well as suggestions from mental health professionals, teachers and other school staff."

Continue reading and download the guide ›

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Understanding the Sanctuary School and Safe Zone Movement: A Quick Guide for Educators

immigrants rising

"This Quick Guide provides an overview of why sanctuary schools and safe zones are vital to the academic success of undocumented young people and other populations that are being targeted in this political climate. It includes the key components of the protections available by law, tackles legal concerns and provides sample resolutions."

Continue reading and download the guide ›

 

Articles and Essays 

Websites and Organizations 

 

 

Students and supporters of DACA rally in downtown Los Angeles, Calif. on Nov. 12, 2019. FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images.

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