Office of the General Counsel > Services > Immigration > Serving Undocumented Students

Resources for Serving Undocumented Students

DePaul students stand in solidarity with Dreamers
DePaul Loves DREAMers

DePaul University takes a strong and public stance in support of undocumented students in line with its core values and traditions as a Catholic, Vincentian, and urban university.  The Office of the General Counsel participates in the University's DREAM Working Group, a standing committee dedicated to exploring opportunities to nuture DePaul's undocumented student population. We further partner with the Office for Institutional Diversity and Equity to offer routine training sessions to DePaul faculty and staff on serving undocumented students. 

President's Statement in Support of Undocumented Students

DePaul's President, Dr. A. Gabriel Esteban, Ph.D., shared a message with the student body in February 2018 emphasizing the university's support for its undocumented student population, and sharing resources available to all students who may feel anxious or concerned during these uncertain times.

Dear DePaul Community,

On Feb. 21, Chicago’s Cardinal Blase Cupich shared a statement to invite participation today in a National Call-in Day for Dreamers and to urge legislators to address the fast-approaching deadline for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, known as DACA. I support Cardinal Cupich’s initiative and ask that you consider participating, if you so choose.

Please consider making a call to your member of Congress.  You can find your representative on this website.  You can find Cardinal Cupich’s statement below.

The era of uncertainty around DACA continues. Each of the meetings during my recent visit to Capitol Hill included DACA at the top of the agenda.

I want to take this opportunity to reaffirm that DePaul has always welcomed students regardless of their citizenship status. We will maintain an unwavering commitment to undocumented students who choose this university for their education.

DePaul also will continue to make available resources to assist if you have questions or know of students who are uncertain about the implications of their legal status:

  • The DePaul College of Law Croak Community Legal Clinic maintains a list of immigration law resources.

  • The DePaul Asylum and Immigration Law Clinic can assist students and their families. They have also developed a referral list of low-cost legal service providers who provide assistance in DACA cases and have engaged DePaul College of Law alumni to provide one-on-one consultations for DACA and undocumented students. For appointments, students can contact Jenny Freundt at jfreundt@depaul.edu

  • University Counseling Services and University Ministry both stand ready to support students more personally, as they balance the stress that such uncertainty brings.

  • More broadly, the DePaul’s Immigrant and Refugee webpage and DREAM webpage list both internal and external resources for undocumented and immigrant students. The DREAM resource guide, developed by DePaul's Undocumented Student Working Group, provides scholarships and financial aid resources and support services at DePaul and in the greater Chicago community. 

Our students affected by DACA are fine young people, trying to survive a challenging situation not of their own making. They are as much a part of DePaul and Chicago as any student. They deserve a chance to fully contribute to our culture and economy.

The experience my wife and I had immigrating to the United States is evidence of the transformative power of education and the good that comes from providing support to students through trying life circumstances. I encourage the U.S. government to find a permanent solution that helps these students realize the American dream. 

Thank you for your continued support of all DePaul’s students.

A. Gabriel Esteban, Ph.D.

 

 

Statement of Cardinal Blase J. Cupich on the Catholic National Call-in Day to Protect Dreamers
February 21, 2018

Last week, we watched the Senate fail to protect young immigrants affected by the uncertain future of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which is set to end on March 5.

Given our heritage as an immigrant community, I urge the faithful across the Archdiocese to stand together in solidarity with our Dreamers and to join the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops for a National Call-in Day for Dreamers, Monday, February 26. I invite you to call your members of Congress, and urge them to protect our young immigrant neighbors who want nothing more than to continue to contribute to the nation they call home.

For more information, please visit: http://www.usccb.org/news/2018/18-038.cfm

DREAM Resource Guide

DePaul's Office for Institutional Diversity and Equity has compiled a site of resources dedicated to providing information for current and prospective undocumented students about financial aid options, admissions, and the offices available at DePaul to support them. The information gathered here is also intended to serve as a helpful guide for faculty and staff interested in learning more about serving the needs of undocumented students,  and the university’s commitment to a creating a supportive environment for all students here at DePaul. 

The Dream Resource Guide and related materials are available by clicking here.  

Undocumented (a short film)

This powerful piece explores the case of a typical undocumented student at DePaul and how immigration status affects one's individual rights to meet the basic needs of human life. This personal story puts a face on those who are undocumented and shares the unique challenges they confront on a daily basis.


Produced by: DePaul University Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media School of Cinematic Arts


Did you know that DePaul's University Catalog features a statement in support of DREAMers? Check it out!

DePaul proudly joined an Amicus Brief prepared by educators and children's advocates in support of the Federal government's position in a recent US Supreme Court case, US v. Texas. Learn More