On June 15, 2012, then-Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano issued a memorandum entitled “Exercising Prosecutorial Discretion with Respect to Individuals Who Came to the United States as Children,” creating a non-congressionally authorized administrative program that permitted certain individuals who came to the United States as juveniles and meet several criteria—including lacking any current lawful immigration status—to request consideration of deferred action for a period of two years, subject to renewal, and eligibility for work authorization. This program became known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). – US Department of Homeland Security

The following sources provide in-depth answers to some commonly asked questions surrounding the current state of DACA affairs. Topics covered include: DACA Validity, DACA Renewal, Employment Authorization, Taxes, and more:

• USCIS’s FAQ on DACA Renewal: https://www.uscis.gov/archive/frequently-asked-questions#renewal%20of%20DACA
• The National Immigration Law Center’s FAQ, updated regularly in response to changes in ongoing DACA litigation and news: https://www.nilc.org/issues/daca/
• https://www.ilrc.org/daca
• https://www.informedimmigrant.com/guides/daca/

There are a variety of legal immigration services available to undocumented persons in Texas.

For low cost legal representation students are also welcome to visit the site for the Catholic Charities of Central Texas at https://www.ccctx.org/immigration-legal-services/. Please note, to be eligible for their services you must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
 
For pro-bono legal services, you can visit: https://www.justice.gov/eoir/list-pro-bono-legal-service-providers
 
The Texas State Bar website also provides a comprehensive search tool to find qualified immigration attorneys based a variety of criteria, including fee options offered: https://www.texasbar.com/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Find_A_Lawyer&Template=/CustomSource/MemberDirectory/Search_Form_Client_Main.cfm

Undocumented students and their families can also visit FIEL Houston, at https://fielhouston.org, for more legal resources.

Might I be eligible for a different immigration status?

With the uncertainty surrounding DACA, many undocumented individuals find themselves wondering if they may be eligible for a more permanent immigration status. Unfortunately, the only person truly able to make that determination is a qualified immigration attorney. We have, however, gathered the following resources to help undocumented individuals determine whether they would like to pursue these potential options.
 
For a simple checklist outlining factors that may make an undocumented person eligible for a more permanent immigration status, see: https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/practice_advisory/screening-potential-daca-requestors-other-forms-relief(Page 15)

Deportation Resources

If you are facing deportation, please contact ISSS by scheduling an appointment with the director or if it is immediate, call 979-845-1824 and press 2 to be transferred to the ISSS emergency call center.

• The US government provides information about deportation at https://www.usa.gov/deportation
• Texas Law Help provides information at https://texaslawhelp.org/article/facing-deportation-heres-what-you-need-know
• Texas State Law Library section about deportation at https://guides.sll.texas.gov/immigration-law/detention-deportation

Information on how to apply for Texas A&M University can be found at http://admissions.tamu.edu/

Residency for Tuition Purposes: 36 Month Provision
The Texas A&M University Office of the Registrar determines residency for tuition purposes.  Some international students may be eligible for residency based upon the 36-Month Provision, which allows residency through high school graduation in Texas.
 
To establish residency through high school graduation, a person must:

• Graduate from a high school in Texas or receive a GED in Texas; and
• Physically reside in Texas for the 36 consecutive months immediately prior to high school graduation; and
• Physically reside in Texas for the 12 consecutive months immediately prior to the census date of the semester in which the student enrolls in a Texas public college or university.

 
Students should then submit a copy of the Affidavit of Intent which is available at the Office of the Registrar's web page.
 
For more details on determining Residency for your admissions application, see: https://aggieonestop.tamu.edu/billing-and-payments/residency-for-in-state-tuition/establishing-residency
 
After determining your residency status, you are also encouraged to fill out an application to see which kinds of financial aid for which you may be eligible at https://financialaid.tamu.edu/

CAPS has a dedicated page of resources for undocumented students. With services ranging from career counseling to student support groups to crisis intervention, as well as personal counselling from advisors specifically trained on the unique circumstances facing undocumented students, SCS is a valuable resource for any Aggie.

All Texas A&M University enrolled students are able to utilize the services available at Student Health Services.

For more information about health insurance, please visit our health insurance page.

The Texas A&M Career Center is a valuable resource to any student looking to their future—be it career advice, interview prep, or help entering a professional school, the Career Center is there!

Wondering if you’re eligible for a Social Security Number, and how to get one? See the Social Security Administration’s page on SSN’s for recipients of Deferred Action.