Resources for Undocumented Students

We Support Undocumented Students! 

Scroll down for campus resources, information about your legal rights and free legal services available to you, along with upcoming events, undocumented student videos and more!

(HEFAS has moved! They're now located in the East Cottage, near the Flint Garage.)

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Upcoming Events

Look for more events throughout the year on these sites:

• Campus events calendar
• Arts and Activism
• Standing Against Racism

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Campus Resources

HEFAS (Higher Education for AB 540 Students) 

HEFAS provides peer support and resources to reduce financial stress and help create a safe learning environment for fellow undocumented students. Visit the HEFAS website or drop by the HEFAS Center in the East Cottage (near the Flint Garage).

FREE Legal Assistance 

You can now get free legal advice on immigration matters, through a program offered by HEFAS in partnership with the Immigration Institute of the Bay Area and the Foundation for California Community Colleges.  Visit the HEFAS website to learn more.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

The California Dream Act allows undocumented students to apply for and receive state financial aid. More information is available from De Anza's Financial Aid Office and the California Student Aid Commission.

Emergency Financial Assistance

If you’re facing a financial emergency, De Anza may be able to help. The Financial Aid Office can provide limited cash grants for students – including students with AB 540 status – who are struggling with hardship or an urgent expense that might interfere with attending school. Visit the Resources for Basic Needs website to learn more.

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Legal Resources and Updates

Know Your Rights!

It's important to understand your rights when confronted by authorities.The following organizations have more information available on their websites.

• The Know Your Rights webpage maintained by the American Civil Liberties Union provides specific advice about what to do when confronted, questioned or arrested by immigration authorities. You can also download a quick guide to your rights:
  • In English
  • En Español
• The Immigrant Legal Resource Center has more information about your legal rights if you’re stopped or questioned and special information for LGBTQ immigrants. The center also has a general resources page and a handbook for immigrant youth.
• The Rapid Response Network for Santa Clara County, coordinated by Sacred Heart Community Service, maintains a 24-hour telephone hotline at 408.294.1144 to report immigration enforcement activity and obtain support.  
• If you're feeling stressed and want to talk with someone, you can contact or visit the Mental Health and Wellness Center at De Anza, or use the free online TimelyCare service.

Legal Assistance Is Available

• Find Your Ally provides free immigration legal services and case support for California community college students, staff and faculty members.
• Immigration Institute of the Bay Area offers free consultations and legal services to community college students. Call them at 925.237.8581 ext. 20 or use their online system to schedule a meeting.
• SIREN (Services, Immigrant Rights and Education Network). offers free consultations and workshops for immigrants. Visit their website at sirenimmigrants.org or call 408.453.3003 for the latest information on dates and how to sign up.
• You can also check the referral list for legal services from Santa Clara County's Office of Immigrant Relations.

DACA Updates

Despite judicial rulings against the DACA program, courts have issued orders that allow current DACA recipients to maintain their current rights and renew their status. If your DACA status has expired, you may still be eligible to file for renewal under the federal court order. However, some immigration experts recommend that individuals should seek legal advice before filing an application.

• If you are already enrolled in DACA, your work permit and protection from deportation will remain in effect until they were scheduled to expire – generally two years after you enrolled. 
• DACA is a federal program and any legal challenges to DACA do not affect your eligibility to attend De Anza or any community college in California.
• Legal challenges to DACA also do not affect your ability to qualify under AB 540 for exemption from non-resident tuition, or to apply for state financial aid under the California Dream Act.
• These groups have more information about applying to renew DACA status
  • National Immigration Law Center
  • Immigrant Legal Resource Center
  • University of California, Berkeley, Undocumented Students Program

Reaffirming Our Committment

De Anza College is dedicated to providing education and a safe environment for all students, regardless of their immigration status. In a time of uncertainty and concern about federal government policy, De Anza is reaffirming its commitment to treat all students with equity and respect.

While a federal judge ruled on Sept. 13, 2023, that the DACA program doesn't comply with federal law, the ruling allows current DACA recipients to maintain their current rights and to renew their status. President Biden has promised to continue the legal fight for DACA, which may ultimately go before the U.S. Supreme Court. 

The presidents of De Anza and Foothill colleges said in a joint statement that DACA and undocument students are still eligible and welcome to attend both colleges.

"We want to reassure you that despite a federal judge's disheartening ruling last week that again found the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program to be unlawful, Foothill College and De Anza College continue to welcome current and potential undocumented and DACA students," said the statement by Lloyd A. Holmes, president at De Anza; Kristina Whalen, president at Foothill; and Lee D. Lambert, chancellor of the Foothill-De Anza Community College District.

• Read the joint statement issued Sept. 16, 2023
• Read an earlier statement of support issued Oct. 6, 2022

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Campus News

Student Commencement Speaker: "This Country Was Built on Immigrants"

Manuel Alonzo Barrios, a member of De Anza's graduating class of 2019, shared his personal story with thousands of fellow graduates, relatives, friends and supporters during the 2019 commencement ceremony. He described the experience of coming to the United States at age 11, saying he often felt like "a small rock that was being pushed downstream by a rushing river."

"For me, the most significant challenge has been this little secret –  the secret of over 11 million people in the U.S. – the secret of being undocumented in this country," said Barrios. 

Barrios said he found support when he came to De Anza and became involved with HEFAS and other programs on campus.

"No longer did I have to keep hiding in the shadows," he said. "Best of all, I found my purpose and was inspired to continue to chase my dreams."

Barrios, who earned an associate degree in Liberal Arts at De Anza, plans to become a dentist and open a clinic that's also a resource center for underserved and immigrant families. His determination to succeed, along with his service as a student leader and mentor, was recognized when he was awarded the Karl S. Pister Leadership Opportunity Award, which provides $20,000 to a De Anza student who transfers to the University of California, Santa Cruz.

"I will never forget how De Anza built for me, as well as for my fellow classmates, a small village. A village that treats you with respect that allows you to express yourself. A second family that is willing to support you no matter what, and that everywhere you go, you will always be welcome and treated with love and kindness," Barrios said.

Urging his fellow graduates to remember the sacrifices of their families and loved ones, Barrios drew applause when he added: "This country was built on immigrants, and at some point in their lives they came to this country following a dream, with empty hands filled with hopes." He continued:

"Remember that the weapon against ignorance is knowledge. To meet difficulties we must have courage, to face the improbable, we must have dignitity. To aspire for greater power we must love to serve and understand humanity. Learning is a process, not an event. If we think that learning will stop, once we walk this stage and get a degree, it is not true. We should never stop!"

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De Anza Grad Earns "Immigrants Rising" Scholarship

Pancho Antonio knew hardship when he was growing up in the Mixteco-speaking indigenous community of Oaxaca, Mexico. At age 19, he made the difficult journey to the United States because he wanted to pursue higher education. 

Pancho first enrolled in adult school in East San Jose, where he did so well that he was hired to teach English and math to adult students.

After coming to De Anza, he graduated with honors in 2017 and served as a student speaker at the Latinx Grad Ceremony. Pancho transferred to the University of California, Berkeley, where he is majoring in ethnic studies. He plans to become a professor specializing in indigenous cultures.

Immigrants Rising is a San Francisco-based nonprofit that helps undocumented students pursue education and career goals, so they can better support their families and communities. Pancho is one of eight college students who received a scholarship of up to $7,000 from the group in 2018. They are selected for academic excellence, financial need and community impact.

De Anza Student Stories

These videos were recorded with De Anza students in 2017. Captions are available in English and Spanish – click "CC" or "Settings" to select a language.

Manuel: "What's the future going to look like?"

Itzel: "People are afraid right now"

Brenda: "(At) De Anza ... you feel supported 110 percent"

Congratulations to Itzel and Brenda for earning $25,000 scholarships from TheDream.US !

• Read the story in La Voz News
• Learn more about National Scholarship Awards from TheDream.US.

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Earlier Statements of Support

• Speaking at De Anza's 2019 graduation event, Interim President Christina G. Espinosa-Pieb told students and their families: "De Anza College stands with, and behind, our undocumented students!"
• Responding to a 2017 White House order barring immigrants from certain countries, De Anza College and then-President Brian Murphy pledged support to international students and emphasized the college's commitment to inclusion and equity.
• In an earlier message, President Murphy cited Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s call for "vigorous and positive action" as he announced campus events to support undocumented students.
• President Murphy outlined the college's commitment to provide resources and assistance for all students.
• The Foothill-De Anza Community College District Board of Trustees unanimously adopted a Resolution in Support of Undocumented Students and a Resolution in Support of DACA, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.
• President Murphy shared his thoughts after the presidential election, reaffirming the college will provide sanctuary, safety and respect for all students.
• The Board of Governors for California Community Colleges adopted a resolution urging then-President Trump to preserve DACA and affirming that community colleges will remain safe and welcoming for all students regardless of their immigration status.

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Previous Events on Campus 

Undocumented Student Action Week: Oct. 14-18, 2024

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Undocumented Student Action Week: Oct. 16-20, 2023

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Undocumented Students Week of Action: Oct. 17-20, 2022

Community colleges throughout California hosted local events in support of undocumented students and their families. h These De Anza events were organized by HEFAS, or Higher Education for AB 540 Students. 

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Undocumented Student Action Week: Oct. 18-22, 2021

• Monday, Oct. 18: HEFAS Open House and Launch – Kick off the week by learning about the work of the HEFAS Center at De Anza. 
• Tuesday, Oct. 19: Be Scared and Do It Anyway – Art and Fear – Create your own digital poster with artist Griselda Madrigal Lara!
• Wednesday, Oct. 20: Nurse Unseen – Documentary Filmmaker Michele Josue – Join a conversation with Emmy award-winning maker of a new film that highlights the challenges faced by Filipinx/a/o nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. 
• Thursday, Oct. 21: HEFAS Open Mic Night – Share your poems, spoken words, songs or art relating to the theme of "Going Back To Your Roots."
• Friday, Oct. 22: Unpacking the Fight for Citizenship with Denise Panaligan – Learn about the history of citizenship and how to create a new meaning for contemporary times.

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Undocumented Students Action Week: Oct. 19-23, 2020

*Event sponsors include the California Community Colleges, Academic Senate for California Community Colleges, California Student Aid Commission, California Undocumented Higher Education Coalition, Foundation for California Community Colleges, Immigrants Rising and the Student Senate for California Community Colleges.

** Event sponsors include Higher Education for AB 540 Students (HEFAS),the Office of Equity, Social Justice and Multicultural Education and the Vasconcellos Institute for Democracy in Action (VIDA).

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2019-20 Speakers and Events

Call to Action! Oct. 14-17, 2019

Community colleges across California set aside this week for  activities to support undocumented students and to advocate for those facing uncertainty over the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Activities at De Anza included

Call to Action Week event sponsors include Higher Education for AB 540 Students (HEFAS); Vasconcellos Institute for Democracy in Action (VIDA); Office of Equity, Social Justice and Multicultural Education; Community College League of California; Asian Law Alliance; University of San Francisco and UndocuHustle.

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2018-19 Speakers and Events

Luis Cortes Romero, Attorney and Dreamer: Oct. 24, 2018

Immigration attorney Luis Cortes Romero has a personal stake in the fight to defend Dreamers: He is one.

Cortes grew up undocumented after he was brought to the United States by his parents when he was a child. He went to community college and San José State University before earning his law degree. Now he assists immigrants and has sued the Trump Administration on behalf of DACA students.

Cortes Romero spoke about his own story during a campus visit on Oct. 24, 2018 and answered questions about current issues related to U.S. immigration law. He appeared at the invitation of Danny Acosta, assistant chief of the Foothill-De Anza Community College District Police, in support of undocumented students. Event sponsors include the Equity and Engagement Division, HEFAS (Higher Education for AB 540 Students) and the Office of Interim President Christina Espinosa-Pieb.

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Undocumented Student Week of Action: Oct. 15-19, 2018

Students, faculty and staff at community colleges around California dedicated this week to advocate for undocumented students and call for a long-term resolution of the DACA issue. Here are some of the activities at De Anza.

Week of Action cosponsors include the Vasconcellos Institute for Democracy in Action (VIDA) and the Office of Equity, Social Justice and Multicultural Education, as well as the Asian Law Alliance, Community College League of California, PUSO and Sacred Heart Community Service. 

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2016-17 Speakers and Conferences 

De Anza hosted several events in Winter and Spring 2017 that focused on civil rights and resources for immigrants.

The series started Jan. 31 with a talk by Jose Antonio Vargas, an undocumented immigrant who grew up in Silicon Valley, became a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and founded Define American, a nonprofit media and culture group.

Later the same day, attorney Alison Kamhi from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center spoke about federal immigration policy under the Trump administration.

The ILRC's Kamhi returned to campus Feb. 8 for a practical workshop on legal rights and real-world scenarios for encounters with immigration officials.

Attorneys from the Asian Law Alliance visited the campus on two days, Feb. 13 and 27, to provide free consultations for undocumented students who had questions about their own circumstances or the immigration status of family members.

On May 5, 2017, HEFAS hosted its annual summit conference for students at De Anza and neighboring schools. The program was entitled "Build Bridges, Not Walls" and the featured speaker was Sarahi Espinoza Salamanca, creator of the DREAMer's Roadmap app. She is a former undocumented student who was named a Champion of Change at the White House in 2014.