Undocumented students are students who are not U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or "eligible noncitizens".
Some of these students—commonly known as "Dreamers"—may apply for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) which allows certain eligible undocumented young people who came to the U.S. as children to request deferred action and temporary relief from deportation.
This allows young people to continue into higher education or go directly into the workforce with a work permit they attain during or after high school.
If you are a DACA student attending school, you are not eligible for federal financial aid. Federal financial aid policies require recipients to be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens. While DACA permits you to live legally in the U.S., you are not considered an eligible non-citizen.
However, here at TMCC we encourage the application and enrollment of DACA students and undocumented students. You may be eligible for different forms of non-federal aid! Note that some awards are on a first-come, first-serve basis, and funding may be limited.
The chart below outlines the financial aid opportunities you may be eligible for as a student who is undocumented or who has DACA. It also includes application information so you have the necessary information available in one place. If you have any questions or need more information, please contact the Financial Aid Office.
| Forms of Non-Federal Aid | DACA Students | Undocumented Students |
|---|---|---|
| In-state tuition |
Yes |
Yes |
| The Governor Guinn Millennium Scholarship | Citizenship Affadavit Required per NRS 396.930 Section 5 | |
| The Adelante Grant | Yes | Yes |
| The Green Door Scholarship | Yes | Yes |
| TMCC Foundation General Scholarships | Yes | Yes |
| External Scholarships | Yes | Yes |
| The Silver State Opportunity Grant (must complete the FAFSA) |
Yes | No |
| Student Employment DACA students interested in student employment must have a social security card and may contact the U.S. Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or in person at 1170 Harvard Way in Reno. |
Yes | No |
Resources
Local Support
- Congresswoman Dina Titus: resources for immigrants
- Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada
- Nevada Legal Services
- David Cooper, Catholic Charities Director of Immigration Assistance
- Tu Casa Latina: help for immigrants who are victims of violence and trafficking
- TMCC Adult Basic Education Program on Citizenship
- TMCC Equity, Inclusion and Sustainability Office Immigrant Resources