Undocumented Students
Guidance for Students for Possible Immigration Enforcement Actions on Campus
Read Full Message [ENG] Lea el Mensaje [SPN]December 13, 2024
Contra Costa College, Diablo Valley College, and Los Medanos College are dedicated to supporting all students, regardless of immigration status, as they pursue their educational goals. We understand that many in our community may be feeling uncertain or anxious, and we are committed to doing everything we can to support students’ continued well-being and safety.
One concrete action all students can take now is to prepare for the possibility of immigration enforcement actions that may occur on campus. We have identified resources for those who want to learn more about the rights and responsibilities of individuals interacting with immigration offices. We have also identified a point-of-contact for students contacted by immigration officers on campus and additional resources that may be helpful.
Undocumented Students
Contact Us
Undocumented Student Resources
Student & Administration Building, Room 219
Undocumented Student Program Coordinator
Stephanie Figueroa
Undocumented Student Program Assistant
Leo Navarrete
Wherever you were born and regardless of the paperwork, you belong at CCC. The only questions we ask are the ones that help us serve you better.
Contra Costa College welcomes and provides a safe place for all community members and together we help provide undocumented students with resources and answer your questions so you can succeed at CCC.
If you are an undocumented student unsure where to start, please email our Undocumented Student Program Coordinator at cccundoc@email.4cd.edu.
You can also make with one of our staff members. They will connect you with our college’s Dreamers Alliance – a network of staff, faculty, and managers committed to working with undocumented students.
Steps to Apply
If you didn’t attend CCC last semester, the first step is to complete an online application.
If you’re an international student, veteran or current high school student interested in concurrent enrollment, you should check out the pages we just linked to before you apply.
- Students are qualified for California residency for tuition purposes if they have resided in the state for one year prior to the “residence determination date”. The residence determination date is the day immediately preceding the opening day of instruction. Eligible undocumented students will need to verify their CA residency for tuition purposes by completing the CA Residency Reclassification Form via the InSite Portal under CCC Student Forms.
- Alternatively, California Assembly Bill AB-540 is a California law passed in 2001 which states that undocumented students who meet certain requirements can qualify to be exempt from nonresident tuition at California public colleges and universities. Eligible students can apply via the CA Dream Act or via the InSite Portal under CCC Student Forms.
- You do not need to complete both forms. For more information and guidance on the forms, please schedule an appointment.
All new students should apply for financial aid, even if you don’t think you’ll qualify. Just by applying and accepting the offer, most full-time students will get free tuition. Even if you’re not full-time, you may be eligible for things like free tuition and other support programs.
The California Dream Act also allows certain students who meet Assembly Bill (AB) 540 requirements to apply for and receive state financial aid. For more information on the Dream Act and AB 540 eligibility requirements, visit the California Dream Act website.
Orientation is a fun, fast way to learn all about the amazing services and facilities at your disposal as a CCC student! It is also the first of three steps toward getting an earlier registration date, which means you’ll get a better selection of classes, times and formats.
Also, all new students at Contra Costa College are required to complete it.
Orientation is offered online through self-paced modules where you will learn a all about our programs, classes, support services, academic and campus policies.
It usually takes 30 minutes to an hour to complete. It’s made up of several modules. When you finish all the modules, you’ll need to complete a short quiz.
It requires an InSite Portal login, so you’ll have to apply to the college first. Click here for step-by-step help accessing the Online Orientation.
The second step toward getting an earlier registration date is getting your placement.
Placement gives us an accurate picture of your English, math or English as a Second Language (ESL) skills. That helps us empower you to choose the best classes, so you can reach your goals without wasting time in classes you didn’t need to take, or that weren’t right for you.
Learn about your options by visiting the Placement Center page or stop by the Placement Center in Room 104 of the Student Services Center.
An educational plan is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a map to your goals, showing you each course you’ll need to reach them.
To register, log in to the Insite Portal. On the searchable schedule, search for Contra Costa College and look for ‘COUNS-108’ under courses.
Within 24 hours of completion of the three steps (placement, orientation, and educational planning), students will be assigned an earlier registration date for the upcoming term! You can view your registration date for the upcoming term(s) by logging into the InSite Portal. Click here for step-by-step help finding your registration date.
Now that you have a plan for meeting your educational goals, registering for classes is simple.
Log into your Student Planning account located under “Quick Links” on the InSite Portal to register for classes directly from your student educational plan. If you need help in person, visit the Welcome Center located in the Student Services Center or give them a call at 510.215.4110!
You’ll want to know important dates like:
- Last day to add a class to your schedule
- Last to day drop a class to be eligible for a refund or credit against outstanding fees*
- Last day to petition for pass/no pass grading
- Deadline dates for classes less than 18 weeks are in InSite.
So, take a look at our academic calendars and make sure to put the dates you’ll need to remember on your calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
The term “DREAMer” describes young undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children. These young adults have lived and gone to school here and, in many cases, identify as American and consider the United States their home.
If you would like guidance and assistance on how to use our campus resources, please make an appointment with our Undocumented Dreamers Program.
The term “DREAMer” originated from The Federal Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act. The Federal Dream Act aims to create a pathway to citizenship for undocumented youth who grew up in the United States.
First introduced to Congress in 2001, the Federal Dream Act has not yet passed into law. Young undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children do not have pathways to citizenship. Although pathways to citizenship are not available for undocumented youth, some states (like California) passed their versions of the DREAM Act.
The California Dream Act was passed in 2011. It enabled eligible undocumented students to receive state-funded financial aid and privately funded scholarships. The California Dream Act does not deal with immigration or pathways to citizenship. It is only to receive state financial aid.
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) grants eligible undocumented youth a 2-year renewable temporary relief from deportation and a social security number for work authorization. DACA does not currently provide a long-term pathway to citizenship and is unrelated to the California Dream Act. Students do not have to be DACA eligible to apply for the California Dream Act and vice versa— each program has its unique eligibility criteria.
Undocumented students are not eligible to apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or receive any federally funded student financial aid, including Pell Grant, SEOG Grant, work-study, and student loans. Students who receive a social security number from Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) are not eligible to apply for FAFSA.
Fact Sheets: (Links to guides in other languages available here)
Fair Housing and Criminal History Fact Sheet
Disability Discrimination Fact Sheet
Legal Services
California Community College Students have access to free immigration legal services. If you need to schedule an appointment for free legal services, don’t hesitate to contact one of the following advocate groups.
Legal Assistance Resources are available in Student Life in front of Basic Needs office 112 and Basic Needs Coordinator can help connect to community resources as needed
California Community College Students have access to free immigration legal services. If you need to schedule an appointment for free legal services, don’t hesitate to contact one of the following advocate groups.
Appointments are offered in-person on Thursdays
For more information, visit: Immigration Institute of the Bay Area (IIBA)
Erika Padilla epadilla@iibayarea.org
925.203.1098 ext. 26
Funding to cover DACA renewal and initial application fees, upon funding availability
Legal assistance for naturalization, DACA initial and renewal applications, family-based petitions, U visas, and others
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and green card (permanent resident) renewal or replacements
Remote citizenship classes
Higher Education Legal Services
http://findyourally.comFree immigration legal services and case support for students, staff, and faculty on California community college campuses statewide or virtually
For more information, visit: www.findyourally.com
Bay Area Legal Aid — provides support from immigration assistance, child support, divorce, restraining orders, child custody, and other services.
Immigration Law Help — helps low-income immigrants find legal help and non-profits through an easy-to-use searchable map by zip code.
Department of Social Services — a list of legal help providers by county.
Stand Together Contra Costa — provides legal services, community workshops, legal clinics, and training.
MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund) — is a Latinx legal civil rights organization headquartered in Los Angeles, CA.
Centro Legal De La Raza — specializes in immigration, eviction, and employee rights in Alameda County.
Immigrant Legal Resource Center — supports legal assistance, policy, and advocacy. Issues and areas of expertise include Asylum, Civic Participation, Citizenship and Naturalization, DACA, LGBT, and more.
East Bay Community Law Center (EBCLC)— free, confidential immigration legal consultation, DACA renewal applications, Humanitarian and family-based immigration relief.
Community Services
Carecen SF (Central American Resource Center) — provides advocacy for immigrant rights, juvenile justice, and Latinx health.
Immigrants Rising — empower undocumented young people to achieve educational and career goals through personal, institutional, and policy transformation. Support with scholarships, legal help & mental health wellness for undocumented students.
The Center for Cultural Power — a Woman of Color artist-led organization supporting and inspiring artists and culture makers through art, creativity, bio-cultural diversity, truth-telling, regenerative relationships, transformation, and Joy.
Korean Community Center of the East Bay — empowers immigrants in the Bay Area through access to education, services, resources, and advocacy.
United We Dream — an immigrant youth-led community supporting, engaging, and empowering to make voices heard.
UndocuBlack Network — a multigenerational network fostering community and access to resources.
Richmond Community Foundation Connects (RCF Connects) — a leading motivator in Contra Costa County in philanthropy and community change to build healthy, thriving communities.
Catholic Charities of the East Bay — a family support services, housing services, mental health, and immigration legal services in East Bay.
International Rescue Committee — helps people affected by humanitarian crises—including the climate crisis—survive, recover and rebuild their lives. Support with citizenship questions and applications.
The Unity Council — a Non-profit-Social Equity Development Corporation in Fruitvale, Oakland, empowers families and communities by providing tools, knowledge, and resources.
Monument Impact — assists immigrants, refugees, and low-income residents in Concord and surrounding communities through advocacy, tools, and resources.
Familias Unidas — offers counseling and information center/referral services.
UndocuJoy (Video) — A short video created by, Define American tells a story inspired by a poem by local artist Yosimar Reyes. The video encourages undocumented Americans to share their authentic moments of joy, and allies are encouraged to spread their message.
#UNDOCUHUSTLE — Immigrants Rising provides resources on entrepreneurship and freelancing, including planning, how to get started, financing, and marketing a business.
Social Entrepreneurship — Immigrants Rising provides basic facts, funding opportunities, frequently asked questions, and additional resources on Social Entrepreneurship.
Student Resources
At Contra Costa College, we provide essential resources to support your academic journey. Our comprehensive support services are designed to help you succeed in your studies, manage personal challenges, prepare for your career, and smoothly transition to four-year institutions.