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  • Final Rule on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program Released

    On August 24, 2022, the Department of Homeland Security released a final rule on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which preserves and fortifies the existing DACA program with minor changes. The name, eligibility criteria, application process, and cost remain the same as the current DACA program. However, due to the July 2021 Fifth Circuit decision, USCIS is still not processing initial applications for DACA and the granting of initial DACA requests remain suspended.

    While the new rule is a welcome step towards legally fortifying and strengthening DACA, there is still need to work to protect our undocumented students. The University of Illinois stands with our DACA students, and as stated in a June 18, 2020 massmail, we will continue to advocate for federal legislation to provide a pathway to citizenship for our undocumented students to reduce the uncertainty that our students live with daily.

  • Reflections on the Tenth Anniversary of DACA

    On June 15, 2012, President Barack Obama signed an executive memorandum that announced the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy. This administrative relief protects eligible immigrants who came to the United States when they were children from deportation. DACA gives recipients: 1) protection from deportation, and 2) a work permit.

    In the 10 years since the announcement was made much has happened. The relief policy has gone through a series of court challenges resulting in those who are eligible to always face difficulties and uncertainty. During this same time, our university's support for Illinois Undocumented/DACAmented students has only continued to grow. We continue to provide immigrant legal aid and consultation through the College of Law Immigration Law Clinic as well as mentorship and support through the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and La Casa Cultural Latina. We also provide training to campus partners and allies, financial support, and visibility about issues DACA holders face as they navigate higher education.

    Through uncertainty and challenges, our university's commitment to our undocumented/DACAmented students continues to be steadfast. On this tenth anniversary, we renew our commitment and reflect on what we have accomplished, as well as what we can still do, to support and celebrate the talents and success of our undocumented/DACAmented students at the University of Illinois.

  • Application is Now Open for the 2022-23 HOPE Scholarship

    The application is now open for the 2022-23 HOPE Scholarship. Undergraduate, graduate, and professional students enrolled in the Fall 2022 and/or Spring 2023 semesters are invited to apply. 

    The deadline for application is April 15, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. Central Time. To receive full consideration, complete the HOPE application by the deadline date.

    2022-23 HOPE Scholarship Application Form 

    The Helping Others’ Personal Excellence (H.O.P.E.) Scholarship provides funds for students who demonstrate financial need yet do not otherwise qualify for financial aid. Illinois Student Government and I-CAUSE created and implemented this scholarship in 2020. This scholarship fund—a commitment by students, for students— is intended to help alleviate some of the burdens that come with attaining higher education.

    Eligible undergraduate in-state applicants should also complete the Alternative Application (RISE Act) for full consideration. For more information about the Alternative Application, visit the ISAC.org website. Graduate and out-of-state applicants do not need to complete the Alternative Application.

  • The Helping Other’s Personal Excellence (HOPE) Scholarship Application for Spring 2022

    The Helping Others’ Personal Excellence (H.O.P.E.) Scholarship provides funds for students who demonstrate financial need yet do not otherwise qualify for financial aid. Illinois Student Government and I-CAUSE created and implemented this scholarship in 2020. This scholarship fund—a commitment by students, for students— is intended to help alleviate some of the burden that comes with attaining higher education.

     

    The deadline for the HOPE Scholarship is January 7th by 5:00 p.m. Undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in the Fall 2021 and/or Spring 2022 semesters are invited to apply. To receive full consideration, complete the HOPE application by the deadline date. Undergraduate students must also complete the Alternative Form (RISE ACT) by this deadline. Questions? Contact us at undocumented@illinois.edu. Apply today at http://go.illinois.edu/HOPE21

  • Fact Sheet on Recent Court Decisions

    Following the two recent court decisions related to DACA, one in the U.S. Supreme Court and the second by a federal court in Texas, the Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration and the Center for Immigrant Rights Clinic at Penn State Law have developed a fact sheet that includes an overview and resources for higher education institutions and students. DACA in the Courts (July 2021).

  • News Bureau: Can Biden Pass Comprehensive Immigration Reform?

    Associate clinical professor of law and the director of the Immigration Law Clinic, Lauren R. Aronson, recently spoke with the University of Illinois News Bureau about the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021, a long-promised immigration reform bill sent to Congress by the Biden administration. She reflects on the significance of the bill, the next steps in the legislative process, and possible changes to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Read the full interview.

  • DACA Fully Restored to Its Original Terms by Federal Judge

    In his decision on December 4, 2020, US District Judge Nicholas Garaufis concluded that the Acting Secretary of the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was not lawfully appointed, and thus, the most recent DHS memorandum that had limited DACA was not lawful. Due to this decision, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) must restore DACA to the terms and eligibility of the 2012 original memorandum and accept initial DACA applications from eligible applicants. USCIS has updated their website to comply with this decision as of December 7, 2020.

    The court’s decision comes as a reprieve after consistent attacks on the immigrant community via the current federal administration. The Migration Policy Institute estimates that 685k individuals are immediately eligible for initial DACA submission and 400k additional individuals may be eligible in the future. This court decision will allow DACA recipients to have work authorization and temporary protection from deportation, which are vital in order to complete their higher education.

    Individuals who are considering applying to the DACA program for the first time should consider legal counsel to discuss their eligibility. We encourage Illinois students to contact the Immigration Law Clinic in the College of Law to seek legal assistance and have an attorney assist them in preparation of their application. Please contact the Immigration Law Clinic by emailing clinic@law.illinois.edu or calling 217.244.9494 to set up an appointment.

    If you need any additional support during time, please reach out to the Jorge Mena Robles, Associate Director for Student Support, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (jmena2@illinois.edu).

  • ISSS Follow-Up on July 6 DHS/SEVP Broadcast

    ISSS has provided a update to international students with F-1 status regarding the July "Broadcast Message" from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Guidance provided by DHS varies by the model that institutions have selected for fall instruction. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign will offer a blend of in-person and remote instruction; this is called a hybrid model. International students with F-1 status  are encourage to review the ISSS message in its entirety. ISSS also maintains a list of many frequently asked questions specific to F-1 students on their site. 

    The University, colleges, ISSS and others are working to better understand aspects of the policy that are not yet fully clear, and remain committed to ensuring that F-1 students are not left with a fully online course schedule that jeopardizes their student immigration status.

  • Prof Lauren Aronson on where the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program stands

    Following the recent United States Supreme Court decision about the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, director of the Immigration Law Clinic at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Lauren R. Aronson, recently spoke with the News Bureau about what’s next for DACA participants and immigration reform.

    News Bureau: Where does the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program stand?

  • COVID-19 Resources for Undocumented Students

    To ensure that our immigrant community is aware of resources available to support you during this time, La Casa Cultural Latina has created a resource flyer listing both internal resources available on campus and external resources in the community.

    Download a printable COVID-19 resources flyer or download an accessible flyer as a Word file.