Frequently Asked Questions
Based on what we know today, we have provided answers to some questions on the issue.
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What is DACA?
- Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) was established by an executive order in 2012. It provides administrative relief from deportation to qualified individuals. The purpose of DACA is to protect eligible immigrant youth who came to the United States when they were children from deportation. DACA gives young undocumented immigrants: 1) protection from deportation, and 2) a work permit. The program expires after two years, subject to renewal.
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What Are The Eligibility Criteria For DACA?
- You were under 31 years old as of June 15, 2012;
- You first came to the United States before your 16th birthday;
- You have lived continuously in the United States from June 15, 2007 until the present;
- You were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012 and at the time you apply;
- You came to the United States without documents before June 15, 2012, or your lawful status expired as of June 15, 2012;
- You are currently studying, or you graduated from high school or earned a certificate of completion of high school or GED, or have been honorably discharged from the Coast Guard or military (technical and trade school completion also qualifies); and
- You have NOT been convicted of a felony, certain significant misdemeanors (including a single DUI), or three or more misdemeanors of any kind.
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What is ASSET?
- In April 2013, the Colorado General Assembly enacted Senate Bill 13-033, often referred to as the Colorado Advancing Students for a Stronger Economy Tomorrow (ASSET) legislation. This legislation modified several procedures concerning the classification of students for tuition purposes. The Colorado ASSET law allows eligible undocumented students to pay in-state tuition and receive the College Opportunity Fund stipend at Colorado public colleges.
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What is CSU-Pueblo’s plan regarding student information if U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) comes to campus? Will we turn over class schedules? What is the role of FERPA?
- CSU-Pueblo will not act as agents of ICE or work on the organization’s behalf, and we will not automatically provide student information in response to a request. The Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office, which provides law enforcement at CSU-Pueblo, does not act as an agent of ICE and will comply with all FERPA regulations as well. FERPA protects the confidentiality of student education records. There is an exception for subpoenas and other judicial orders. The Office of the General Counsel will review any judicial order or subpoena and determine how the University will proceed upon presentation of such documents. It is important to note that CSU-Pueblo does not track whether students have DACA. Students control what information is published about themselves in public University directories. To manage directory information, students may visit https://www.csupueblo.edu/registrar/_doc/forms/request-to-withhold-release-directory-information.pdf.
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If students lose their Social Security Numbers (SSNs) as a result of their DACA eligibility expiring what can CSU-Pueblo do for them in terms of financial aid?
- DACA students are only eligible for institutional (CSU-Pueblo) aid or scholarships through the CSU-Pueblo Foundation, so the amount of financial aid available for DACA students will not be affected by the repeal. The larger challenge of repeal for DACA students is a loss of work authorization that typically comes with the DACA program. Many of our DACA students work in the community to pay for school and life – many full time to cover their expenses. Because the repeal of DACA will subsequently terminate employment authorizations for all DACA students, we are currently looking at resources that may help pay for school and living expenses. We will continue to communicate with you about these resources when they come available.
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If students are deported, will we help them complete their degrees either online or in some other format?
- The University will work with CSU Ft. Collins and CSU Global to develop plans to help students complete their degrees. It is important that the University know which areas of study are being affected so that plans can be developed with faculty and the other institutions. Please consider filling out the confidential Dreamers Support Form so the University may better support degree completion by these students.
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How are we engaging our Congressional representatives in support of DACA?
- Through the Colorado State University System, we are in touch with Colorado Senators Michael Bennet and Cory Gardner and Representative Jared Polis, who are working on behalf of our DACA students. We also work on a national level through higher education coordinating bodies to express the higher education community’s strong support of our Dreamers and their access to education.
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Will I still get in-state tuition?
- If you qualify under ASSET for in state tuition there will not be a change to your instate status as long as the State of Colorado ASSET law does not change.
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What kind of transportation does the university provide?
- The City of Pueblo has some bus routes that access campus until approximately 6 p.m. The University has a “Redline” shuttle that is used for transportation within the city at various times. It is important for the University to know what transportation needs may be affected by the loss of DACA status in order to further assess what services the University may be able to provide. Please consider filling out the confidential Dreamers Support Form to help the University determine its support of transportation.
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Will I be able to work?
- You will be able to work for as long as your DACA status remains viable. Once it expires (cannot be renewed) your ability to work will end. We are looking at options to help with this issue and will provide more information when available. Please consider filling out the confidential Dreamers Support Form to aid in the University’s support of your financial needs.
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Who should I contact?
- Victoria Obregon is a point of contact for DACA, ASSET, and any undocumented students. All information will be kept confidential as defined under the Family Education Records Privacy Act (FERPA). Victoria may be reached at 719.549.2402 or victoria.obregon@csupueblo.edu.
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Where do I go for legal advice?
- The University is working with the Pueblo County Legal Services Pro Bono office to bring immigration attorneys to campus to provide legal guidance for students. This will occur most likely in late January or February. Please check back here for more information or contact Victoria Obregon in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at 719.549.2402 or victoria.obregon@csupueblo.edu.
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Am I eligible for Federal and State aid?
- You are not eligible for Federal and State Financial Aid. However, you may be eligible for scholarships and/or Institutional aid (University provided financial aid). It is important for the University to know what the financial needs are of our Dreamer students in order to provide further financial support. Please consider filling out the confidential Dreamers Support Form to aid in the University’s support of financial needs. Also you may contact Justin Streater, Director of Financial Aid – Student Financial Services at 719.549.2753 or justin.streater@csupueblo.edu. He can assist you in determining your needs and eligibility for aid.
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Am I eligible for private scholarships?
- The following are a list of scholarships that you may be eligible to receive. We will update this list when new information becomes available.
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How can I help Dreamer students?
- You can help the University’s Dreamer students by designating a donation to a scholarship for Dreamer students through the CSU-Pueblo Foundation. Please contact Nick Potter, Chief Operations Officer at 719.549.2442 or nick.potter@csupueblo.edu. You may also contact the Office of Diversity and Inclusion for other ideas on supporting our students and to receive specific training on supporting these students. If you know of any Dreamer students please encourage them to reach out to the Victoria Obregon at 719.549.2402 or victoria.obregon@csupueblo.edu.
