Information for DACA and Undocumented Students
The University of Pennsylvania benefits greatly from the rich diversity of all undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. As part of that commitment to inclusion, Penn provides access and support to undocumented students, including those with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) status.
Life After College – Guide for Undocumented Students
This guide, published by Immigrants Rising, covers topics such as considering graduate schools, what types of internships and work options are available, and how to navigate the applications and forms associated with these processes.
How to Fill Out Applications
Answering job or internship questions can be difficult. Here is a list of common questions that can legally be asked and what cannot by employers.
Alternatives to Employment
For undocumented students, there are several options for income-generating alternatives to traditional forms of employment.
Disclosing Your Status to Employers
It can be both confusing and stressful to decide when (and if) to disclose your immigration status to a potential employer. Understanding your employment rights is a critical first step. Additionally, while it is important throughout any job or internship process to provide information that is accurate and factual, the decision about when, if and to whom to disclose your status is entirely yours. Here is one immigrant’s take and advice on how, why and when to share your immigration status during an interview.
Sources of Funding
There are various DREAMer-eligible & focused funding resources to assist with costs associated for internship, graduate school and other funding to support professional development ventures.
DREAMer Friendly Employers
Check out our list of employers, who indicated as part of a recruitment survey conducted in 2015 by Penn and UCLA, and updated in 2019, that they were specifically interested in hiring DACA students. The list is broken down by industry. In addition, these are companies who are considered DACA-friendly.
DACA and Undocumented Student Resources
The Vice Provost for University Life has compiled a rich set of resources, both on-campus and externally. The resources, in addition to those we’ve listed below can help you navigate the job search process as a DACA or undocumented student. Additionally, here you will find an FAQ and important emergency telephone numbers and contact information. Visit the Vice Provost’s hub for DACA and undocumented students
