Undocumented Student Resources
Northwestern Pritzker School of Law seeks to ensure an inclusive experience for all members of our community, regardless of immigration status. For that reason, we provide information on University, local, and national resources designed to support our community members with undocumented status. President Schapiro has made it clear that Northwestern University will not reveal the immigration status of students, faculty or staff to the federal government.
Northwestern University Resources
- Petitioners Organizing for DACA’s Effective Replacement (PODER) is a Northwestern Pritzker School of Law student organization formed for the purpose of advocating for a fair and efficient pathway to citizenship for Dreamers.
- The Northwestern Office of Student Enrichment Services (SES) oversees the coordination of resources and services available for students who have DACA status, are undocumented, or have undocumented family members.
- Join Advancement for the Undocumented Community at Northwestern (AUC)to learn more about support and resources for the undocumented/DACA community. AUC is a Northwestern student group.
FAQs: The information provided in response to the FAQs listed below is meant only as a guide and should not be considered legal advice. If you have questions related to legal advice, please contact SES for more assistance.
- FAQ on Immigration & Related Matters
- FAQ on Northwestern Policies & Practices
- Federal Student Aid Homepage
- Federal Student Aid – Undocumented FAQs (pdf)
- United We Dream
- United We Dream: FAFSA guide (pdf)
- ACLU
- ACLU: Know Your Rights
- ACLU: Know Your Immigrants’ Rights
Local Resources
- Greater Chicago Legal Clinic: Provides legal assistance in adjustment of status, DACA, asylum applications, and naturalization.
- Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights: Equips migrants with resources regarding healthcare access, education initiatives, language assistance, policy changes, and rights awareness.
- The Illinois Association for College Admission Counseling and their College Advising Guide for Undocumented Students: Advises undocumented students on obtaining financial aid, communicating with college admissions and navigating the system of higher education as a parent or student.
- Visit the City of Chicago’s Office of New Americans website to learn more about city resources for immigrants, including legal assistance, education and mental health resources, Dreamer internship and job opportunities, and more.
- Organized Communities Against Deportation (OCAD)
- PASO – West Suburban Action Project
- South West Organizing Project (SWOP)
Community Mental Health Resources
If you are concerned about yourself or your loved ones, seek reliable and trusted legal guidance and/or mental health services from one of the agencies listed below.
- Mental Health Providers in Illinois for Immigrant Communities
- Roots to Wellness Resource Guide for the Southwest Side of Chicago (English)| (Spanish)
- Community Health – Free Social Services for Low-Income Individuals
- Supporting Immigrant and Refugee Children: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers (English)| (Spanish)
National Resources
- Migration Policy Institute: Provides to date migration policy research on the national and global level
- Immigrants Rising: Financial, legal, and mental health programs and services for undocumented people as well as resources on art & empowerment, entrepreneurship & freelancing, higher education, and law & policy.
- National Immigration Law Center: Information on legal rights, education, economic support, news releases, and training opportunities.
- United We Dream: Empowers immigrant youth through various justice initiatives, undocumented toolkits, research, and fellowships
- Resource Guide: Supporting Undocumented Youth. A guide for Success in Secondary and Postsecondary Settings. U.S. Department of Education (pdf): Information on scholarships, school counselors, financial aid eligibility, and legal guidelines
- My Undocumented Life: A blog and resource hub led by undocumented students providing advice on scholarships, applications for higher education, news, and personal accounts.
- Immigrant Justice: Know Your Rights with ICE Enforcement Actions: Tips and advice for how you can prepare to protect yourself and your family and defend your rights.