Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/297225
California for health care coverage, study abroad, or visit relatives in Mexico and be allowed to return. While the new laws are helpful, being undocumented has taken a toll. "At times it was hard to stay motivated. There were times I didn't want to go to school," he admits. How teachers can help DREAMer students: Taking steps toward legalization Eduardo recently filed for Deferred Action for Child- hood Arrivals (DACA), authorized by an executive order President Obama issued in 2012 providing deportation relief to undocumented immigrants who enter the country before 16. An applicant granted deferred status will not be deported and qualifies for a work permit renewable every two years. However, because the program is merely an executive order, not a law, it could be overturned by another president. For this reason, Marino counseled Edwardo to consider careers that could be transferable to other countries if necessary. He is planning to major in international business. Some students are fearful when it comes to applying for DACA, because while they may qualify for deferred status as students, their parents and siblings may not. However, all DACA information is strictly confi dential, says Marino, so Eduardo and other students should not let fear be a deterrent from fi ling. Since 2001, California DREAMers have qualifi ed for in-state tuition under AB 540. Before that, when they were charged out-of-state tuition fees, college was unattainable for most. The California Dream Act was signed into law by Gov. Brown in 2011. Under AB 131, undocumented students can apply for Cal Grants and scholarships awarded by public colleges and universities. To qualify, they must attend a California high school for at least three years and graduate from a California high school. They must attest that they have fi led an application to legalize their immi- gration status, or will fi le an application as soon as they are eligible. (To be considered for state aid, students must complete the Dream Application at www.caldreamact.org.) U n d e r A B 1 3 0 , a n o t h e r p a r t o f t h e D re a m A c t , undocumented students can receive money through private scholarships. Information submitted for California Dream Act appli- cations, like DACA applications, is strictly confi dential and cannot be used against the student or family members. Eduardo is eligible for in-state tuition, Cal Grants and scholarships, but not for federal Pell Grants or loans that many students rely upon to finance their education, even though his father pays taxes through a Taxpayer Identification Number. If Eduardo applies to colleges in other states, he will likely be charged the higher international tuition rate — the same as a stu- dent from another country. He can't enroll in Covered Rosa Marino was born in Mexico and came here when she was 7. In those days it was easy for her parents to find a sponsor, fill out papers and obtain green cards allowing them to live and work here legally. • Offer them encouragement and hope for the future. • Encourage students to become involved in the struggle to change immigration laws. • Understand undocumented students may not have the same standard of living as other students and may not have access to a quiet area to study. They may have adult responsibilities, such as caring for siblings while parents are at work. • Provide information about applying for DACA status and benefits under the California Dream Act. • Encourage them to apply for scholarships. • Don't wait until high school — inform students in middle school about college opportunities. • Provide emotional support and an atmosphere of trust. • Plan field trips to local colleges and discuss the benefits of higher education. www.cta.org 25 A P R I L 2 0 1 4 Educator 04 Apr 2014 v2.3 int.indd 25 4/15/14 12:04 AM