Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can go to any college or university in California, if you meet the admissions requirements.

California State University, Bakersfield welcomes and supports students without regard to their immigration status.  We will continue to admit students in a manner consistent with our nondiscrimination policy and without regard to a student’s national origin, religion, age, gender, race, or other protected characteristics. The CSUB Dreamers Resource Center is committed to creating an environment in which all admitted students can successfully matriculate and graduate.

You cannot be denied admission based on your immigration status to any state schools in California. You can pay in-state tuition if you meet the criteria for state law AB 540.
As an undocumented student, you may currently qualify for state financial aid. The California Dream Act, divided into AB 130 and AB 131, provides access to private funding in the form of scholarships and state aid, specifically the California Cal Grant, for those who qualify.
Students with current nonimmigrant visas are not eligible for this tuition exemption (exp. Tourist (F Visa) or student (B Visa).

A student whose visa has expired and is now “out of status,” will be eligible for in-state tuition fees if they meet their state undocumented stated requirements.

Students categorized as AB 540 (undocumented) will not be classified as California residents.

A student with “any” legal status is not considered undocumented.
AB540 does not grant legal residency to qualifying students.

AB540 does not grant state or federal financial aid.

AB540 only provides an exemption to the requirements of paying nonresident tuition for students who qualify.

Students must have attended a high school in California for three years or more.

Students must have graduated from a California High School or attained the equivalent of a high school diploma (i.e. Passed the GED or CA High School Proficiency Exam).

Students must register or be currently enrolled in one of the three state institutions of higher learning (UC, CSU, Community Colleges).

Students without Immigration status must file an affidavit with the public college or university stating that he or she has applied to legalize his or her legal status or will do so as soon as he or she is eligible to do so. (Some private schools may also require this, not enforced)

All information provided by the student will be kept confidential by the college or university.

The information a student shares with a college or university is protected by federal law and CANNOT be shared with anyone, including immigration officials. It is protected by the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974. The school legally cannot share this information with third parties including the Department of Immigration and Naturalization (INS), now the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Also, not all AB 540 students are undocumented. Many are legal residents. AB 540 forms are worded in a way so as to protect undocumented students from having to declare their status (they are grouped with US citizens and permanent residents). The affidavit says “IF” they are an “alien without lawful immigration status,” then they will pursue a means to change their immigration status when it becomes available.

The affidavit states that the student will adjust their status, as soon as they are eligible to do so.

The affidavit is required by example at end of document law by the public college where the students will be attending.

Students are not required to submit a new affidavit when there is continuous enrollment.

The information on the affidavit is kept confidential, as required by law.

Please click the CSUB Recidency Questionnaire and click the Nonresident Tuition Exception

The California Dream Act occurs at the state level. The passage of AB 130 and AB 131 by Governor Brown made The California Dream Act of 2011 an effective law in the state. The law at the state level allows certain undocumented students to apply and receive state financial aid and receive scholarships funded through private donors. On the other hand, the Federal Dream Act seeks to bring conditional residency for qualifying undocumented individuals. Although not yet passed by the United States Congress, some of the stipulations concerning the Federal Dream Act will require applicants to be of good moral character, have graduated from high school, be currently enrolled or completed two years of college or university, and/or have enlisted in the US army for at least two years.
Students can fill out the Dream Act Application at the following link: https://dream.csac.ca.gov/

On June 15, 2012, the Secretary of Homeland Security announced that certain people who came to the United States as children and meet several key guidelines may request consideration of deferred action for a period of two years, subject to renewal, and would then be eligible for work authorization.

Only individuals who can prove through verifiable documentation that they meet these guidelines will be considered for deferred action. Determinations will be made on a case-by-case basis under the guidelines set forth in the Secretary of Homeland Security’s memorandum.

On September 5, 2017, the Trump Administration announced that the DACA program would be rescinded and no new applications would be approved.

On January 9, 2018, a federal judge issued an injunction that temporarily stopped the Department of Homeland Security from proceeding with the termination of the DACA program.

For information and eligibility requirements, visit the Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) site. Source: USCIS.GOV

More DACA resources can be found at https://unitedwedream.org, and at www.NILC.org.

If the student has received their work authorization and a SSN through DACA, the student may work on campus.  Most students who work on campus are hired as "student assistants" and are paid through public funds, which require residency and a valid social security number. There are some paid options through a stipend process for Undocumented students at Cal Poly, SLO. Please contact the Dream Center for more information.

Post-college Options for Students

Many undocumented students have questions about what options are open to them after graduating from college.  Students with DACA are granted 2-year work authorization, which opens up a wide variety of internship and career opportunities.  California SB 1159 allows for all individuals seeking a professional license to apply with either a federal Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or Social Security number (SSN). Other options include graduate or professional school, participating in an LLC, or independent contracting.

Immigrants Rising has a number of excellent guides on Entrepreneurship

The Immigrants Rising “Life After College” Guide explores graduate school, professional schools, and work options for undocumented students

Pre-Health Dreamers have a number of resources and guides for students interested in working in the medical and allied health fields.

Undocumented students without a Social Security Number (SSN) should apply for financial aid using the California Dream Application.

https://dream.csac.ca.gov/
T-Visa Holders:
T-Visa Holders should apply for financial aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) 

U-Visa Holders:
Should apply for financial aid using the California Dream Application
Immigrants Rising: 
A list of scholarships for immigrant students, including the New American Scholars Program, which offers financial awards for low-income immigrant students in the Bay Area.
https://immigrantsrising.org/resources/

TheDream.US:
This national scholarship award provides up to $25,000 for tuition and fees for a bachelor’s degree.
https://www.thedream.us

Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF):
The (MALDEF) has also compiled a comprehensive list of additional organizations that provide scholarships (PDF). It is organized by major, school, gender and location.
https://www.maldef.org/assets/pdf/FINAL_20182019_MALDEF_Scholarship_List_102717.pdf

Salvadoran American Leadership and Educational Fund (SALEF):
SALEF’s Fulfilling Our Dreams Scholarship Fund is making higher education a reality for Central American and Latino students, including AB 540 students, with over 1,000 scholarships provided since 1998.
https://www.salef.org

DACA Legal Services Application & USCIS Filing Fee Assitance:
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) funds qualified non-profits to provide free legal services for low-income individuals. The organizations provide DACA renewal assistance. Assistance with USCIS DACA renewal filing fees may also be available. Services are not guaranteed. You must contact the organization directly to inquire about service availability.

https://www2.calstate.edu/attend/student-services/resources-for-undocumented-students/Documents/daca-application-assistance-providers.pdf



CDSS Immigration Services Funding Contractor Referral List:
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) funds the qualifiednonprofits provided in this list to provide immigration legal services free of charge in the following categories: (1)Application Assistance-Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA);(2) Application Assistance -Other Immigration Remedies; (3) Application Assistance -Naturalization; (4) Legal Training and Technical Assistance; and (5) Education and Outreach.

https://www2.calstate.edu/attend/student-services/resources-for-undocumented-students/Documents/ContractorReferralListFY1617.pdf


Yes. The Counseling Center is available Monday-Friday during Fall and Spring Semesters from 8 am-5 pm.
Phone: (661) 654-3366
After-Hours Phone: (661) 654-3366 (Press 2 when voicemail answers)
National Support Line - Call or Text 988 for free 24/7 confidential crisis counseling
Location: The Counseling Center is located in the Rivendell building. (West side of campus near Parking Lot E)
  • Incoming CSUB students
  • Current CSUB Students
  • Faculty
  • Staff
  • Immediate family members
  • Alumni (up to 2 years after graduation

Disclaimer

Please note, the information on this page is general in nature and serves as a guide. Information may be subject to change without notice. Please consult the resources provided on this website for more information. Immigration laws are complex and subject to change. Please consult with an immigration attorney regarding questions pertaining to immigration and legal status.