Undocumented Resource Center
We are Here for You!
The Undocumented Resource Center (URC) at San Diego City College aims to offer a welcoming space for all students, faculty, professional staff, community members, and allies. Our mission is to encourage an inclusive campus culture that supports undocumented and mixed-status students achieve their academic and personal pursuits.
If you are an undocumented student, make the URC your First Stop! We will guide you through admisison, tuition, financial aid, classes, career goals, and much more!
We encourage all faculty to include the following statement in their syllabi:
San Diego City College is committed to maintaining a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment where every student, regardless of immigration status, is supported in their educational journey. If you need support or assistance accessing resources on campus, including but not limited to counseling, free immigration legal assistance, financial aid, and more, visit the Undocumented Resource Center in L-116.
You are a valued and essential part of our academic community. You belong here.
All people in the United States, regardless of immigration status, have certain rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution. The ILRC’s Red Cards help people assert their rights and defend themselves in many situations, such as when ICE agents go to a home.
Resources:
- Know Your Rights tutorial video in seven languages
- Know-your-rights handout in eight languages to help families prepare for a possible interaction with ICE
- Downloadable, fillable, and printable Family Preparedness Plan
Students may stop at the URC to get connected to different on and off campus resources, including Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) and tax filing support and much more.
Additionally, students facing food insecurity may get up to two snacks and one drink per day during our open hours through the Emergency Satellite Pantry inside the URC.
If eligible, undocumented students may also obtain grocery gift cards through the Ensuring All Thrive (E.A.T) Program. This program is sponsored by San Diego City College Basic Needs and does not count as a public charge.
Community Resources
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office - Resources for Undocumented Students
International Rescue Committee (IRC)
Immigrant Legal Defense (ILD) Nonprofit organization webinars and workshops
Mental Health Resources
Catholic Charities: 619-231-2828
East County Mental Health Clinic: 619-401-5500
First Avenue Counseling Center: 619-685-0041
La Maestra Counseling Center: 619-564-8765
Logan Heights Counseling Center: 619-515-2355
Operation Samahan: 619-474-2284
SDSU Center for Community Counseling: 619-594-4918
The LGBT Center: 619- 692-2077 x208
YMCA Low-Cost Individual Counseling: 619-239-0355 x 252
Crisis or Help Lines
Call 2-1-1: For referrals (24 hours a day/7 days a week)
Crisis Text Line: Text COURAGE to 741741 (24 hours a day/ 7 days a week)
Domestic Violence Hot Line & Resources: (888) 385-4657
Family Support Line: (877) 450-5463
NAMI San Diego Help Line: (619) 543-1434 (Monday through Friday, 9 am-5pm)
San Diego Access & Crisis Line: (888) 724-7240 (24 hours a day/ 7 days a week)
San Diego Sexual Assault & Rape Hot Line: (888) 724-7240
AB 540 allows eligible students, including undocumented individuals, to be exempted from nonresident tuition and access state-based financial aid.
If you need guidance filling out the AB 540 form reach out to us!
What are the eligibility criteria for AB 540?
To be eligible for AB 540, students must meet the following criteria:
A. Have an immigration status that allows the student to be eligible: Undocumented and DACA recipients, T and U visa holders, U.S. citizens, and lawfully present immigrants are elegible.
B. Total attendance (or attainment of credits earned) in California that is equivalent to three or more years of full-time attendance at California high schools, California adult schools, campuses of the California Community Colleges (noncredit or credit courses), or a combination of these.
C. Completion of a course of study. This requirement can be met in the following ways:
i. Graduation from a California high school or equivalent (diploma, certificate of completion, GED, HiSet, or TASC).
ii. Attainment of an associate degree from a California Community College. iii. Fulfillment of the minimum transfer requirements established for the University of California or the California State University for students transferring from a California community college.
D. Filing of a Nonresident Tuition Exemption Request (AB 540 Affidavit) stating that the student has filed an application to legalize the student’s immigration status, or will file an application as soon as the student is eligible to do so. Students must submit an AB 540 Affidavit to each college or university they wish to attend and have it approved by the appropriate department.
What immigration statuses are eligible for a nonresident tuition exemption in California through AB 540?
A. Undocumented or out-of-status
B. DACA recipients6
C. T visa7
D. U visa8
E. Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
F. Humanitarian Parole
G. Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)
H. Refugees
I. Asylees
J. U.S. Citizens, Legal Permanent Residents (LPR), and other lawfully present immigrants in the United States
K. Special Immigrant Juvenile
L. Others as identified in the Education Code.
Which immigration statuses are NOT eligible for in-state tuition through AB 540 in California?
A. International students (e.g., those studying on a J or F visa)
B. All ‘‘non-immigrant” visa holders not listed above
What is a nonimmigrant visa?
A nonimmigrant visa (NIV) is a temporary visa, typically for purposes of tourism, business, work, study, medical treatment, or humanitarian protection (e.g., B, BCC, F, J). Immigrant visas are issued to foreign nationals who intend to live permanently in the United States.
The URC offers guidance navigating enrollment, including providing general information about tuition, residency, and AB 540 eligibility and processes. We also share about financial aid available for undocumented students, guidance and support students navigating financial aid applications, and connect students to a financial aid liaison.
Students who submit the California Dream Act Application (CADAA), and are eligible for Cal Grant B, may apply to California Dream Act Service Incentive Grant (DSIG) for up to $2,250 in financial aid in exchange for 150 volunteer hours at San Diego City College, or another approved off-campus organization.
To see if you meet the eligibility criteria, please submit the DSIG Interest Form.
Financial Aid Resources:
California Dream Act Application Link
Applying for Financial Aid as a Mixed-Status Family in California- A Guide (Part 1)
San Diego Community College District students are eligible to receive free immigration legal services from Higher Education Legal Services (HELS) accredited representatives. They can assist you with DACA renewals, naturalization applications, exploring possible immigration relief options, and much more. Make your intake appointment today by clicking at the link below!
Virtual and in-person appointments are available. To schedule an appointment, please click on the link below:
The URC aims to provide a safe and brave space for undocumented and mixed status students to hang out, study, and create a supportive community. The URC team also facilitates unodou-specific student engagement activities, information sessions, and workshops.
Examples of events:
- UndocuChats & Crafts
- Income Generating Opportunities for the Undocu-Community
- CA Dream Act FAQ
- Know Your Rights
- Traveling with Advance Parole
We advertise our events through Instagram.
Follow us at @sdcityurc
Gaby Sotogaribay and Eddie Franco are our designated counselors supporting prospective undocumented students and our UndocuScholars. We offer both, in-person and virtual appointments.
New Students: The Undocumented Resource Center offers personalized one on one appointments to help you navigate the college application, residency status (AB 540), cost of tuition, financial aid, and other resources.
Current Students: Obtain academic and career advising from a counselor experienced with working with the undocumented community. Whether you want to obtain a certificate, a license, improve your skills, start your own business, or transfer, we can help you create an undocu-friendly educational plan!
Book an Appointment with Eddie
NOTE: These appointments are exclusively for undocumented or mixed-status students. Other students should refer to the Counseling and Personal Growth Department for general counseling related to academic and career goals.
*Citas pueden ser en español.
Please consider confidentiality statements below when speaking with the URC team:
I understand that California is a 'two-party consent' state. It is a crime in California to record a telephone call or videoconference, among other types of private conversations, without the express consent of all participants.
I understand that I may not record my scheduled online session with my counselor without their consent. I may not record the meeting or any portion of it unless I ask the counselor and they specifically give you permission.
The URC team is proud to offer UndocuAlly trainings to all San Diego City College employees every semester. Registration information will be sent to employees' work emails.
Participants will receive a Certificate of Completion after the session.
To learn more about UndocuAlly Trainings, please email the Undocumented Resource Center Coodrinator, Magaly Corro Flores at mcorroflores@sdccd.edu.
Through the UndocuScholar Program, the Undocumented Resource Center aims to holistically support undocumented and mixed-status students enrolled at San Diego City College through personalized support and high-impact practices.
Benefits of being an UndocuScholar:
- Enter an opportunity drawing for a $100 bookstore gift card each semester.
- Get a welcome bag with Undocumented Resource Center swag!
- Meet with an Undocumented Resource Center academic and career counselor with extensive experience with the undocumented and mixed-immigration status communities.
- California Dreamer Service Incentive Grant Program (DSIG) case management. The DSIG program allows eligible undocumented students to volunteer on campus or at an approved service organization in exchange for a $2,250 grant per semester (Applicable to eligible California Dream Act Application applicants only).
- Access personalized support, guidance, and resources from our team and allies on campus.
To be part of the program, you must:
- Identify as:
-
- Undocumented (e.g., out-of-status, pending status, or never had any lawful immigration status), or
- Having DACA, TPS, or VAWA protection, or
- Having a T Visa, U Visa, or any other expired visa, or
- AB 540 status student (non-U.S. citizen), or
- Mixed-immigration status student (e.g., you are a U.S. citizen with one or more persons in your immediate family who are undocumented)
- Be enrolled in at least three units at San Diego City College.
- Submit the UndocuScholar Program Application.
Meet with the Undocumented Resource Center coordinator, Magaly Corro Flores, for a
program orientation.
*Please note that we do not willingly share your information with other departments
or outside entities. Your information is strictly confidential and will only be reviewed
by the Undocumented Resource Center team.
To maintain program eligibility, you must:
- Meet with the Undocumented Resource Center counselor, Gaby Soto Garibay, once a semester.
- Attend at least one undocu-specific event at San Diego City College once a semester.
- If eligible, apply to the California Dream Act Application every academic year.
The Undocumented Resource Center is part of the Intercultural Centers at San Diego City College, which also include the Pride Hub, Womxn's Hub, and First-Gen Hub.
By engaging with the Intercultural Centers, students will:
- Identify key programs, services, and resources available to support their academic and person pursuits.
- Recognize how their multiple identities and roles intersect and influence their college experience and daily lives.
