Global Engagement stands in solidarity and in service to our undocumented community here at SCU. This page is meant to guide undocumented students through the thought and planning process for global learning. We invite you to meet with an advisor to explore program options that might be right for you as well as consult with Alexander Community Law Center and the Undocumented Student Working Group.
What is needed in order to travel?
In addition to following all application and pre-departure processes needed for the program, undocumented students should be aware of additional documentation that is related to their entry and exit of both the United States and the country of destination. An undocumented student participating in a domestic or global program abroad must have:
- Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status or Temporary Protected Status (TPS): Valid DACA or TPS status that covers the entire duration of their intended program abroad. There have been instances where a host country’s consulate also requires a student’s DACA or TPS status to be valid for an extended period of time (sometimes 6 months) beyond the end date of the program. It is important to consider the validity period of your current DACA or TPS and how that works or conflicts with the requirements.
- Advance Parole: Advance Parole (USCIS Form I-131) is a travel document issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. This document is needed to allow the recipient the ability to return to the United States at discretion. One must have a confirmed Advance Parole before going abroad and the application and approval process typically takes 3 months or longer. For undocumented students, a valid DACA or TPS is a part of the requirement for applying for Advance Parole. Learn more about applying to Advance Parole on Immigration Help.org
- Visa: Depending on the length of the study abroad program, destination, and the passport you hold, a visa for entrance into your study abroad destination may be required.
- REAL ID: In order to travel on aircraft domestically, all California residents must have a REAL ID by May 3, 2023. DACA recipients are eligible to receive a REAL ID DL/ID card if their legal presence documents are current.
- Under the REAL ID regulation, applicants with approved deferred action who hold valid Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) and Social Security Numbers (SSNs) may qualify to receive temporary REAL ID driver's licenses and ID cards and may continue to hold temporary (limited-term) REAL IDs until their expiration.
- REAL IDs have anti-counterfeit technology in the card.
- The REAL ID DL/ID card will expire on the same date as their U.S. legal presence document. When it is time to renew, DMV will send a renewal notice to the address on file requesting an updated DHS extension information/document. The applicant should visit a field office and present their documents if they want to retain their REAL ID.
- If a traveler is out of regular migratory status after May 3, 2023, the traveler should obtain alternative acceptable identification documents, which could include a valid passport issued by the government of which they are a citizen.
- Other Documents: Depending on the program type, you may be required to present other documents including a state police record, an employment authorization document (for internships), or others.
- Immigration-Sentiment Climate Varies by State: While California considers itself a Sanctuary State and offers immigrants some legal protections, when it comes to choosing a program that is in a region outside of California, it is important to consider the climate of immigrant sentiment there. Using this search engine, you can find the specific laws and regulations concerning immigrants in different states. Taking a look at the Immigrant Climate Index could also be a helpful marker to understanding what might be the overall feeling towards immigrants in this particular state or region.
- Valid U.S. Visa Stamp: Generally speaking, traveling with a passport with no valid U.S. visa stamp on it does not imply unlawful status. However, given the current political climate, the restrictive immigration policies, and the heightened immigration enforcement rules, it may be a trigger for further inquiry by the TSA or other federal agents.
Due to the high risks involved and the rapid changes affecting immigration policies, it is critical for undocumented students to seek advice from the Alexander Community Law Center and the Undocumented Student Working Group before proceeding with a Global Opportunity. The Alexander Community Law Center is able to support our DACA students through legal advising. Lynette Parker, Associate Clinical Professor at the Center, and her colleague, Margarita Sandoval are the contacts.
To schedule an appointent please call the Center at 408-288-7030.
Global Engagement welcomes all students, regardless of country of origin or immigration status, to apply to our global learning programs. Santa Clara offers international, virtual, and domestic programs.
Please know that under no circumstances do you have to share information about your migratory status with anyone at any time, including with faculty, staff, or peers. You have the right to protect yourself by not disclosing your status and by only sharing it with trusted sources.
You should apply to any and all scholarships that you are eligible for! Be sure that the scholarships you apply for allow applicants who have undocumented status. Here are some examples of scholarships you can consider: