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Dreamers Resources

Immigration/Legal Resources

EBCLC Legal Service Appointments

Schedule an appointment with an immigration attorney or legal advocate to discuss your immigration status and options.  In partnership with Chabot College, East Bay Community Law Center (EBCLC) is offering FREE immigration services to Chabot College students.  

Appointments are currently being held virtually or in person.

Schedule your appointment online today! 

For questions, email CClegal@EBCLC.org. To learn more about EBCLC, visit the EBCLC website. 

Due to recent threats of large scale immigration raids and deportations, it is important to stay informed and know your rights. Everyone in the U.S. has certain rights guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution, regardless of their immigration status. If you and your loved ones find yourselves affected by a raid, or are approached by Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, can protect yourselves. Click the following links for more information:   English  Spanish  Tagalog Vietnamese Chinese Arabic

Immigration laws are complex and subject to change. Please refer to the following agencies for specific questions and support regarding immigration and legal status:

 Immigration Policy Updates

The DACA Program remains in legal limbo, but USCIS continues to accept renewals. No new applications are currently being accepted. From Immigrants Rising, here is a list of 10 things you can do right now as a DACA Recipient.

  1. Continue Renewing Your DACA. You may continue renewing your DACA even during the pending court case. Especially if your DACA is expiring in the next 6 months, it is recommended that you submit your renewal application to prevent any potential delays.
  2. Explore Options Beyond DACA. There may be immigration remedy options available to you aside from DACA, some of which may provide a permanent resident status in the U.S. or abroad!
    • Consider speaking with your employer about receiving an employment-based visa. Read more about PERM and how employers can advocate for DACA recipients.
    • Read more about other long-term options in adjusting your status, such as adjustment through marriage, U-Visa, asylum, and many other remedies.
    • Explore options outside the U.S. Many undocumented individuals have sought security, wellness, and educational and professional opportunities in other countries. While this is a big decision to make, it is an opportunity worth exploring. You can read our guide and stories from individuals on our Life Outside the U.S. page.
  3. Seek out alternative pathways to employment. While undocumented immigrants face significant barriers to pursuing employment in the United States due to lack of work authorization, any immigrant, regardless of legal status, can legally earn a living through business ownership or self-employment (IRCA, 1986). Check out resources for starting your own business and generating income through entrepreneurship.
  4. Travel with Advance Parole. Advance Parole grants temporary permission for you to reenter the U.S. after traveling abroad for various reasons such as studying abroad, reuniting with family, getting medical attention, and working. This will also provide you the opportunity to gain legal entry to the U.S., which is necessary for adjusting your status.
      • Read more about the risks and benefits of Advance Parole.
      • Find Your Ally provides free immigration legal services, including Advance Parole application and fee assistance, to students, staff, and faculty in California Community Colleges.
      • Colleges and universities may have referrals to legal services providers to support students studying abroad. Check with the undocumented student program or study abroad program on your campus.
  5. Get an Immigration Screening. Explore your options for adjusting your status through immigration screening services. We encourage you to do an annual screening of your potential options, as immigration policies change constantly.
    • Immigration Advocates Network has a National Immigration Legal Services directory of immigration legal services throughout the U.S. where you can search by state, county, or detention facility.
    • Immi’s immigration path quiz can give you a brief understanding of what benefits you might be eligible for.
    • Find Your Ally provides free immigration legal services to students, staff, and faculty in California Community Colleges.
  6. Know Your Rights. Understand your rights as an undocumented or non-citizen by reading through the information below.
  7. Access mental health support. The uncertainty that comes with DACA can take a toll on your emotional and mental well-being. Consider seeking mental health support from mental health professionals or support groups to hold you through your struggles.
  8. Stay connected! You are not alone in this fight – we are here with you! Follow organizations like Immigrants Rising, ILRC, Make the Road New York, NAKASEC, NILC, UndocuBlack, America’s Voice, and United We Dream who do amazingly at empowering undocumented people to thrive.
  9. Stay informed! Get accurate information from trusted sources related to DACA litigation and local laws impacting immigrant communities. Follow news sites and organizations such as the organizations listed above for the latest updates.
  10. Advocate for immigration reform! Our community fought to bring DACA into existence 12 years ago. We continue the fight today to protect the DACA program and to bring a broader immigration reform. As we are anticipating a decision that will continue to leave out DACA-eligible young people and others who have called the U.S. their home, we need you to join us in action and do your part in advocating for protective and inclusive policies within your city and state, and permanent solutions for undocumented immigrants throughout the U.S. Share your story within your communities, in hearings and meetings, and on other platforms, and help reshape the immigrant narrative.

 

Transfer Resources

Life After College & Entrepreneurship

If you have questions about how your status may affect your career path or what options are open to you, we encourage you to talk to a Dream Center counselor and check out the resources below. 

Graduate/Professional School Options

  • The Immigrants Rising "Life After College" Guide explores graduate school, professional schools, and work options for undocumented students
  • Pre-Health Dreamers has a number of resources and guides for students interested in pursuing the medical and allied health fields, such as Medical school, Dental school, and Nursing.
  • California SB 1139 (2016) prohibits excluding undocumented immigrants from medical school or residency programs on the basis on their citizenship or immigration status. 
  • Immigrants Rising has a list of Graduate School Scholarships and Graduate Fellowships that are open to students regardless of citizenship status.  

Entrepreneurship Options

Students with DACA are granted temporary work authorization, which opens up a wide variety of internship and career opportunities. However, there are also many other options for income generation, regardless of your current immigration status, including independent contracting, freelance work, and entrepreneurship.   

Mental Health & Wellness Resources

Affordable Care Act for DACA Recipients

As of November 1, DACA recipients are newly eligible for Affordable Care Act coverage! ACA coverage is comprehensive, affordable, and covers essential medical benefits, such as free preventative care, mental health care, and hospital care. Trained health enrollment assistants can help you select a plan that fits your needs. Learn more about enrolling here. 

Community Mental Health Resources

The Immigrants Rising Mental Health Connector provides undocumented young people with psychological support, allowing you to access your strengths and resiliency in order to achieve your personal goals and healing.

Our experienced and culturally responsive mental health 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 young people.

All undocumented young people who reside in California and are comfortable conversing in English are eligible for our service.

Immigrants Rising also offers weekly virtual Wellness Gatherings to help undocumented young people stay grounded and connected to one another.

Mental Health & Wellness resources from Informed Immigrant, including Black and Latinx therapist networks. 

Chabot College Community Resource Guide

Chabot CARES Mental Health Services

Chabot College offers FREE and CONFIDENTIAL mental health services for all registered Chabot College students.

We offer:  

  • Crisis counseling
  • Short term individual counseling- typically 6 sessions per semester
  • Referrals for mental health services in the community
  • Support Groups

Our mental health practitioners and interns provide confidential assistance for:

  • Depression
  • Relationship issues
  • Family changes & challenges
  • Anxiety (including test anxiety)
  • Financial stress
  • Health crisis
  • Traumatic events
  • Grief and loss
  • Overwhelming feelings
  • Talking to someone in a safe and trusting environment  

Campus Resources for Students