Helpful Resources
There are many online resources to seek and explore. We recommend exploring your local resources to know what type of support is available in your community, seek out and join national organizations to keep up with the always changing laws and policies, and find support groups to exchange experiences and knowledge. We’ve listed some resources and links used by students and advocates.
Local & Regional Support
Allan Hancock College Dream Club
The mission of the student led club, Dream Club is to promote available resources
at Allan Hancock College to those who fall under AB 540 status, advocate for their
interests, and provide financial assistance to those who receive limited assistance
from the college due to their migrant status.
Central Coast Coalition for Undocumented Student Success
The Central Coast Coalition for Undocumented Student Success (CCC-USS) is comprised
of faculty and staff from Allan Hancock College, California Polytechnic State University
(Cal Poly), and Cuesta College. We are dedicated to creating and sustaining a support
system for students who are AB 540/undocumented and ensuring educational equity for
all students.
AB 540 Coalition of Santa Barbara County
The AB 540 Coalition of Santa Barbara is a group of local educators from public schools,
community organizations, parents and students. Our mission is to create social change
by empowering AB 540 students, parents and allies with the information and tools necessary
to access higher education.
IMPORTA of Santa Barbara
IMPORTA is a nonprofit organization authorized by the Justice Department to represent
and provide legal counsel for low-income immigrants.
Educators for Fair Consideration (E4FC)
Empowering undocumented young people to achieve educational and career goals by providing
information, resources, and financial support to undocumented young people.
Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC)
The ILRC provides legal trainings, educational materials, and advocacy to advance
immigrant rights. You can find downloadable resource publications and up-to-date news
relating to immigration policy and law.
805 Undocu Fund
The 805 UndocuFund is a collective effort among Ventura and Santa Barbara County based
grassroots organizations to assist local undocumented immigrant individuals and families
who are excluded from federally funded safety net programs; that have been economically
impacted by the loss of their homes, wages, and / or employment due to disasters in
our community like wildfires, mudslides, and the coronavirus.
California Student Aid Commission
California Nonresident Tuition Exemption commonly known as AB 540, exempts certain
students from paying nonresident tuition (higher than resident tuition) and/or allows
them to apply and receive state aid at certain California public and private colleges.
National Organizations
United We Dream
United We Dream is the largest immigrant youth-led organization in the nation. Our
powerful nonpartisan network is made up of over 100,000 immigrant youth and allies
and 55 affiliate organizations in 26 states. We organize and advocate for the dignity
and fair treatment of immigrant youth and families, regardless of immigration status.
The Dream Us
The mission is to support DREAMers college access and success through a scholarship
to Partner Colleges that are committed to their success and advocacy for tuition and
aid equity.
American Civil Liberties Union
Describes recent legal challenges to anti-immigration legislation as well as facts
and perspectives on detention, enforcement and other current issues.
Asian Pacific American Legal Center of Southern California (APALC)
APALC is the nation’s largest legal organization serving the Asian and Pacific Islander
(API) communities. Founded in 1983, APALC advocates for civil rights, provides legal
services and education, and builds coalitions to positively influence and impact APIs
and to create a more equitable and harmonious society.
Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund (MALDEF)
MALDEF was founded in 1968 in San Antonio, Texas, the Mexican American Legal Defense
and Educational Fund (MALDEF) is the leading nonprofit Latino litigation, advocacy
and educational outreach institution in the United States. MALDEF mission is to foster
sound public policies, laws and programs to safeguard the civil rights of the 45 million
Latinos living in the United States and to empower the Latino community to fully participate
in our society.
National Immigration Law Center (NILC)
Since 1979, the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) has been dedicated to protecting
and promoting the rights of low income immigrants and their family members. In the
past 20 years, NILC has earned a national reputation as a leading expert on immigration,
public benefits, and employment laws affecting immigrants and refugees. Its extensive
knowledge of the complex interplay between immigrants' legal status and their rights
under U.S. laws is an essential resource for legal aid programs, community groups,
and social service agencies across the country.
Salvadoran American Leadership and Educational Fund (SALEF)
SALEF was founded in 1995 in Los Angeles by a group of Salvadoran and Salvadoran American
activists. SALEF’s mission is to advocate for the educational advancement, civic participation,
leadership and economic prosperity of Salvadoran and other Latino communities in the
U.S.; and to advance democracy and social justice in the U.S. and El Salvador.
Other Support Network
My Undocumented Life
The mission at My Undocumented Life is to provide up-to-date information and resources
to undocumented immigrants. They post scholarship opportunities that are open to undocumented
students, strategies for navigating the educational system, information on how to
apply for DACA/Advanced Parole, news on DAPA, and much more.
Pre-Health Dreamers
As a nationwide network of students, educators, and allies, PHD’s mission is to support
undocumented pre-health students through serving as a Community of students and allies
offering peer support and professional development, a Resource of unprecedented knowledge
on related career pathways, an Advocate for increased access to health careers and
health care for the undocumented community.
UndocuTravelers' Blog
Want to read a real personal experience of the process of Advance Parole, traveling
and entry to the United States? Check out this blog!
Define American
Define American is a non-profit media and culture organization that uses the power
of story to transcend politics and shift the conversation about immigrants, identity,
and citizenship in a changing America.