Cesar and Vishal are two young men who were brought to the United States as young children by their parents. The audio excerpts below are taken from a series of discussions with Vishal and Cesar that extended the question of citizenry beyond civil status or politics to personal psychological realities. These are personal realities that effect friendships, romantic relationships as well as day to day life. For these two young men, a defining role has been that of activists and forming a powerful community in the New York State Youth Leadership Council. (Longer discussion is available here.)
Vishal and Cesar describe how they have dealt with their status as undocumented immigrants from first discovering their status to ongoing fears and the difficulties of revealing their status to friends.
Vishal and Cesar recall the difficulties of applying to college - the lack of knowledge of how to apply as well as where to apply and what scholarships might be available.
Undocumented immigrants with DACA certification are eligible to receive employment authorization for the period during which DACA is in effect. Other options include becoming self-employed as an independent contractor, starting a sole proprietorship, starting a limited liability company as a worker cooperative, and working abroad.
Recipient of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), will be provided an Employment Authorization card (work permit). A work permit opens doors to new employment opportunities that were previously not available. It is important to be aware of employment rights. Employers cannot ask DACA recipients for more or different work authorization documents than what is already permitted by Form I-9. Likewise, an employer cannot reject work authorization documents because of citizenship status or national origin.
The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA) requires employers to verify that all newly hired employees present “facially valid” documentation verifying the employee’s identity and right to work in the United States. So federal law requires employers to have each newly hired employee (hired after November 6, 1986) complete an I-9 form. The employer must show the completed forms to enforcement officials from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security if asked for them.
Potential employees are required to show documentation that proves ones identity and authorization to work. A work permit is a photo ID that proves one is authorized to work. Therefore, one only needs a work permit to satisfy the I-9 requirements. One does not need a social security number or driver’s license to work.
IDNYC is the "new, free identification card for all New York City residents, which gives all of us the opportunity to show who we are—New Yorkers. As a government-issued photo identification card, IDNYC secures the peace of mind and access to City services that come from having recognized identification. IDNYC benefits every city resident, including the most vulnerable communities—the homeless, youth, the elderly, undocumented immigrants…"
Aviles Chris
Student Services Specialist
ca748@hunter.cuny.edu
Advising guide for CUNY Undocumented Students: CUNYDREAMers
Resources, Scholarships, FAQ, News for Undocumented Students: CUNY Dreamers Hub
TheDream.US offers two scholarships. The National Scholarship is for high school or community college graduates (this is appropriate for students seeking to enter CUNY). The Opportunity Scholarship is for students who live in targeted, locked-out states where they cannot get in-state tuition. Your eligibility for both is based upon where you live. Application period tends to be mid-November through early March.
DACA Scholars Inside our app you will find hundreds of scholarships available for you! from STEM to First Generation scholarships, many categories and opportunities!
Scholarship for DREAMERS - CUNY listing of scholarships.
2014 List of graduate scholarships and fellowships that do not require proof of citizenship (PDF)
Dream Resource Center college, scholarship, vocational school, technical institute resource site.
Pre-Health Dreamers site dedicated to helping undocumented students continue to their PhDs.
La Huelga worker protection information from Cosecha