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 admission, 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.
The URC has designated counselors and staff offering personalized one-on-one support and guidance to prospective undocumented students and currently enrolled UndocuScholars. We offer both, in-person and virtual appointments.
***Please read carefully before you book an appointment.***
Book with Eddie or Jose for:
- Education plan - update major (academic goal), course plan on MySDCCD, expected graduation
date, catalog year
- Abbreviated educational plan - schedule a 30 minute appointment
- Comprehensive educational plan - schedule a 1-hour appointment
- Assistance with SAP Appeal (Satisfactory Academic Progress)
- Career - interpreting personality assessments, developing a career plan, income-generating opportunities (e.g., starting a business, entrepreneurship)
- Lifting Academic Disqualification registration hold
- Prerequisite clearances
- Unit limit override (to enroll in over 19 units in Fall/Spring)
- Unofficial transcript evaluation of previously completed courses (while the official transcript evaluation by District is processing)
- Updating academic milestones (Math, Writing, Reading)
- Transfer guidance - major preparation and general education pathways
- Other petitions on MySDCCD (e.g., Academic Renewal, Modification of Graduation Requirements)
Book an Appointment with Eddie
Book with Magaly for:
- AB 540 / Residency questions
- Continuing Education or high school students transitioning to credit college
- Cost of attendance
- Financial aid opportunities and questions (e.g., California Dream Act Application, scholarships)
- General support navigating college journey
- Information on resources for undocumented students (e.g., free immigration legal services, EAT program)
- Paid volunteer opportunities and questions (e.g., Dream Act Service Incentive Grant)
- UndocuScholar Orientation
Book an Appointment with Magaly
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.
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 a Undocumented Resource Center counselor 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.
Students may stop at the URC to get connected to different on and off campus resources. Some resources include:
- Access to the Emergency Satellite Pantry inside the URC for currently registered students.
- Ensuring All Thrive (E.A.T.) Program
To support undocumented students facing food insecurity, San Diego City College Basic Needs and the URC partnered up to provide grocery gift cards to eligible currently enrolled undocumented students. Please note that this program is not considered a public charge. The information collected will only be used to determine eligibility and will not be shared with outside organizations.
To learn about these resources and more, visit the URC or make an appointment to meet with us.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 make an appointment with 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 Recipients
C. T Visa
D. U Visa
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:
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
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
We advertise our events through Instagram.
Follow us at @sdcityurc
Non Participation In Immigration Enforcement Activities
All San Diego Community College District employees must adhere to the Family Educational
Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and AP 3415 - Non-Participation in Immigration Enforcement Activities; Immigration Status
Security.
FERPA protects the privacy of student educational records and all personally identifiable
information in those records. The district and its employees cannot disclose information
about students without the student's written consent, even to federal authorities.
We will comply with the California Value Act (SB 54) and not expend any SDCCD law
enforcement resources on immigration enforcement or immigration information-gathering
activities.
Download PDF of the protocol:
The URC team is proud to offer UndocuAdvocate 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 UndocuAdvocate Trainings, please email the Undocumented Resource Center Coordinator, Magaly Corro Flores at [email protected].
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.
