Resources
Jump to...
Driver License
Under Texas law, for a foreign national to obtain a driver license, they must be able to verify lawful presence in the United States. That means that if you want to apply for a driver license (DL) or an identification card (ID), you will have to show proof that you are in the U.S. legally. DACA recipients can still obtain a driver license or state identification card.
- An applicant for a driver license (DL) or identification card (ID) must present proof of lawful presence in the US. https://www.dps.texas.gov/driverlicense/documents/verifyinglawfulpresence.pdf
- This link has information on how to get a driver license in Texas as an undocumented immigrant. https://www.uscisguide.com/state-issued-id/how-to-get-a-drivers-license-in-texas-as-an-undocumented-immigrant/
- This link shows states offering driver licenses to immigrants. https://www.ncsl.org/immigration/states-offering-drivers-licenses-to-immigrants
DACA & Legal Resources
DACA Resources
- DACA - National Immigration Law Center
- Migration Policy Institute - Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Data Tools
- National Immigration Law Center
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’ FAQ on DACA Renewal
- USCIS' DACA Litigation Information and FAQ
- The National Immigration Law Center’s FAQ, updated regularly in response to changes in ongoing DACA litigation and news
- Immigration Legal Resource Center
- Informed Immigrant
Legal Resources
There are a variety of legal immigration services available to undocumented persons in Texas.- ISSS maintains a webpage with guidance about hiring an immigration attorney as well as a list of immigration attorneys who have expressed interest in supporting Texas A&M students: Legal Resources - Global Engagement (tamu.edu)
- 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.
- For a simple checklist outlining factors that may make an undocumented person eligible for a more permanent immigration status, https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/practice_advisory/screening-potential-daca-requestors-other-forms-relief (Page 15)
- 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
Other Resources
- Brazos Interfaith Immigration Network (BIIN)
BIIN's mission is to promote the human dignity and well-being of all immigrants in our community and to advocate for and facilitate better access to legal, educational, and social services. Brazos Interfaith Immigration Network | Bryan TX | Facebook - Resources for Supporting DACA / Dreamer Individuals (advancedstandingmsw.com)
- Undocuprofessionals
- Texas College Work-Study Program (TCWSP)
- The Dream US
- Navigating Graduate School: Resource Guide for Undocumented Students
- Pomona College’s List of Medical Schools that are “DACA Friendly”
- PhD Dreamer’s FAQs: Medical School for Pre-Med Undocumented Students Across the Nation
- Builtin.com’s 21 Major Companies that Sponsor H-1B Visas
- Empowering Undocumented Students: https://www.fwd.us/news/empowering-undocumented-students/