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Immigration/Legal Resources

7/16/21 DACA Ruling update: Current DACA cases remain valid, renewals will continue to be processed, but new applications are on hold.  See full policy update below.  The East Bay Community Law Center (EBCLC) continues to offer FREE immigration legal services to Chabot students.  Schedule an appointment with EBCLC.  


In partnership with Chabot College, East Bay Community Law Center (EBCLC) is offering FREE immigration legal services to Chabot students. While campus is closed, EBCLC will be conducting phone/virtual appointments. 

Schedule an appointment today!

EBCLC Legal Service Appointments

Schedule an appointment with an immigration attorney or legal advocate to discuss your immigration status and options.  In partnership with Chabot College, East Bay Community Law Center (EBCLC) is offering FREE immigration services to Chabot College students.  

Appointments are currently being held virtually or in person.

Schedule your appointment online today! 

For questions, email CClegal@EBCLC.org. To learn more about EBCLC, visit the EBCLC website. 

Due to recent threats of large scale immigration raids and deportations, it is important to stay informed and know your rights. Everyone in the U.S. has certain rights guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution, regardless of their immigration status. If you and your loved ones find yourselves affected by a raid, or are approached by Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, can protect yourselves. Click the following links for more information:   English  Spanish  Tagalog Vietnamese Chinese Arabic

Immigration laws are complex and subject to change. Please refer to the following agencies for specific questions and support regarding immigration and legal status:

 Immigration Policy Updates

*DACA Update as of 8/25/2022

From www.fwd.us:

Today, the Department of Homeland Security posted its final rule on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy after the Biden Administration announced last September that it would seek to “preserve and fortify” DACA through a period of proposed rulemaking. FWD.us President Todd Schulte issued the following statement in response: 

“To start, we want to communicate to DACA recipients and their families what this news does and does not mean, with a note of caution given the misleading information circulating. 

“Here are a few critical items of note for DACA recipients:

“First - today’s rule does not go into effect right away, so DACA recipients should understand that nothing changes for them right now. Not only is there a 60-day period before enactment, but it is entirely possible—if not likely—that there will be efforts to stop enactment via new or existing litigation.

“Second - despite this rule, the DACA policy remains in severe jeopardy as we wait for a decision—likely to be negative—from the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals on the legality of the policy. If the DACA policy is ended, an average of 5,000 DACA recipients every single week over the next two years will fall out of status, be pushed out of the workforce, and become vulnerable to deportation. Given this fact, it is absolutely critical for current DACA recipients to seek renewals as soon as they are eligible and consult with a lawyer about their options.

“Third - even if this rule goes into effect, it would not allow new DACA applicants to apply, as they are still barred by an injunction, nor does it update the outdated eligibility criteria for who could apply for DACA. This bars hundreds of thousands of people from applying for DACA protections.”

“As to the specifics of the rule and the path forward for policymakers:

“We want to thank and congratulate the many thousands who of people who made their voices heard by filing formal comments to ensure that DACA remained true to its intent as a program that provides both work authorization and protections from deportation, and we are grateful that the Administration is no longer pursuing a plan to de-couple and separate work authorization and deportation protections. Work authorization provided under the DACA policy is vital to its success - it has enabled more than three-quarters of DACA recipients to participate more fully in the labor force, provide for their families, enrich their communities, and contribute an estimated $11.7 billion to the U.S economy each year. Providing work authorization as part of DACA is the right move. 

“Unfortunately, the DACA policy is currently facing its greatest existential threat to-date in the courts, and this threat will remain. Moreover, today’s rule cannot provide the permanent protections that DACA recipients and their families deserve and have awaited for over the last decade.

“The most important thing to understand is that the ability of nearly 700,000 Dreamers’ ability to live in the U.S. and work legally without daily fear of deportation is under severe threat — and Congress must act urgently to pass a permanent legislative solution to protect Dreamers in 2022.”

Read more here: What Happens If DACA Ends 

As we await another decision on DACA in the courts, it is important to explore what you can do right now if you are undocumented with DACA. For the program’s 12th anniversary, we compiled 10 things you can do right now as a DACA Recipient.

  1. Continue Renewing Your DACA. You may continue renewing your DACA even during the pending court case. Especially if your DACA is expiring in the next 6 months, it is recommended that you submit your renewal application to prevent any potential delays.
  2. Explore Options Beyond DACA. There may be immigration remedy options available to you aside from DACA, some of which may provide a permanent resident status in the U.S. or abroad!
    • Consider speaking with your employer about receiving an employment-based visa. Read more about PERM and how employers can advocate for DACA recipients.
    • Read more about other long-term options in adjusting your status, such as adjustment through marriage, U-Visa, asylum, and many other remedies.
    • Explore options outside the U.S. Many undocumented individuals have sought security, wellness, and educational and professional opportunities in other countries. While this is a big decision to make, it is an opportunity worth exploring. You can read our guide and stories from individuals on our Life Outside the U.S. page.
  3. Seek out alternative pathways to employment. While undocumented immigrants face significant barriers to pursuing employment in the United States due to lack of work authorization, any immigrant, regardless of legal status, can legally earn a living through business ownership or self-employment (IRCA, 1986). Check out resources for starting your own business and generating income through entrepreneurship.
  4. Travel with Advance Parole. Advance Parole grants temporary permission for you to reenter the U.S. after traveling abroad for various reasons such as studying abroad, reuniting with family, getting medical attention, and working. This will also provide you the opportunity to gain legal entry to the U.S., which is necessary for adjusting your status.
      • Read more about the risks and benefits of Advance Parole.
      • Find Your Ally provides free immigration legal services, including Advance Parole application and fee assistance, to students, staff, and faculty in California Community Colleges.
      • Colleges and universities may have referrals to legal services providers to support students studying abroad. Check with the undocumented student program or study abroad program on your campus.
  5. Get an Immigration Screening. Explore your options for adjusting your status through immigration screening services. We encourage you to do an annual screening of your potential options, as immigration policies change constantly.
    • Immigration Advocates Network has a National Immigration Legal Services directory of immigration legal services throughout the U.S. where you can search by state, county, or detention facility.
    • Immi’s immigration path quiz can give you a brief understanding of what benefits you might be eligible for.
    • Find Your Ally provides free immigration legal services to students, staff, and faculty in California Community Colleges.
  6. Know Your Rights. Understand your rights as an undocumented or non-citizen by reading through the information below.
  7. Access mental health support. The uncertainty that comes with DACA can take a toll on your emotional and mental well-being. Consider seeking mental health support from mental health professionals or support groups to hold you through your struggles.
  8. Stay connected! You are not alone in this fight – we are here with you! Follow organizations like Immigrants Rising, ILRC, Make the Road New York, NAKASEC, NILC, UndocuBlack, America’s Voice, and United We Dream who do amazingly at empowering undocumented people to thrive.
  9. Stay informed! Get accurate information from trusted sources related to DACA litigation and local laws impacting immigrant communities. Follow news sites and organizations such as the organizations listed above for the latest updates.
  10. Advocate for immigration reform! Our community fought to bring DACA into existence 12 years ago. We continue the fight today to protect the DACA program and to bring a broader immigration reform. As we are anticipating a decision that will continue to leave out DACA-eligible young people and others who have called the U.S. their home, we need you to join us in action and do your part in advocating for protective and inclusive policies within your city and state, and permanent solutions for undocumented immigrants throughout the U.S. Share your story within your communities, in hearings and meetings, and on other platforms, and help reshape the immigrant narrative.

*DACA Update as of 7/16/21

From the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC):

"A federal court in Texas today (7/16/21) ruled that the DACA program is unlawful. What does this decision mean for DACA recipients and DACA-eligible individuals?

  1. Current DACA cases remain valid. People who currently have DACA keep their DACA protection and work permit, and are eligible to request and receive advance parole. 
  2. DACA renewals continue. People who have DACA now or had DACA in the past are still eligible to renew their case. Pending renewal applications will be processed. 
  3. First-time DACA applications on hold. No new DACA application will be approved at this time. The decision allows USCIS to receive initial applications but blocks the approval of any new DACA case- therefore anyone with pending, first-time DACA applications will not be granted at this time."

You can find more information from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) on these DACA updates here. 

For additional questions about how this ruling may impact you and your status, schedule a free appointment with East Bay Community Law Center above. 

*Public Charge Update as of 3/18/21

From East Bay Community Law Center (EBCLC) and Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC):

"On March 9, 2021, the Biden administration dropped its defense of the Trump public charge rule in a federal lawsuit, bringing an end to the Trump’s version of public charge. Immigrant families should seek the benefits and services they need, especially during the pandemic, without fear of negative consequences on their immigration case. Health services, rental assistance, food assistance, tax credits, and other critical services do not count for public charge."

You can find more information from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) on the changes to Public Charge here.

*DACA Update as of 12/08/20

From East Bay Community Law Center (EBCLC) and Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC):

On December 4th, 2020, a federal court ruled the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program must be fully reinstated.  As a result, begining December 7th, 2020, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will:

  • Accept first-time DACA applications
  • Accept DACA renewal requests
  • Accept applications for advanced parole
  • Extend one-year grants of deferred action under DACA to two years, and
  • Extend one-year employment authorization documents under DACA to two years

Chabot students can schedule a free legal immigration consultation with EBCLC to see if you may be eligible for DACA here.

Click here for more details on this decision. .

DACA Update as of 8/28/20

From Immigrants Rising:

"On August 24th, USCIS has released its latest guidelines regarding the new restrictions around DACA. The most glaring change is that USCIS will reject all applications submitted more than 150 days before the expiration of the current DACA status. This will make harder for USCIS to approve renewals before the work authorization expires. From the Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration:

 
From the Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration

"On July 28, 2020, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a memorandum detailing several significant changes to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA. This memorandum reduced renewals to one-year, expressly prohibited the adjudication of initial requests and advance parole requests. 

*DACA Update as of 6/18/20

From the East Bay Community Law Center & the Chabot Dream Center:

The East Bay Community Law Center (EBCLC), in partnership with the Chabot College Dream Center, celebrates the U.S. Supreme Court’s momentous ruling in favor of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. On June 18, 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Trump administration’s attempt to end the DACA program is unlawful. More details to follow. 

*Public Charge Update as of 03/05/2020

Update from Immigrant Legal Resource Center

WHAT IS PUBLIC CHARGE?

Public charge is a test to determine if someone applying for permanent residence (a “green card”), or for a visa to enter the United States, seems likely to depend on public benefits in the future. If the U.S. government decides that the applicant is likely to become a public charge, the government can deny their green card or visa application.

WHO DOES PUBLIC CHARGE AFFECT?

Public charge affects people who are applying for permanent residence through a U.S. citizen or permanent resident relative petition, or who are applying for a visa to enter the United States. Other immigration cases, like asylum, U visas, naturalization, and cancellation in court are not affected!

WHO IS NOT AFFECTED BY PUBLIC CHARGE?

Many immigrants do not have to worry about public charge because there is no public charge test for the immigration status for which they are applying. For example, these people are not subject to a public charge test:

  • Refugees and asylees
  • People with a U Visa, T Visa, VAWA, or SIJS
  • DACA and TPS applicants
  • The majority of permanent residents
  • U.S. Citizens

Also remember that if a person is not currently applying for any immigration status, they are not affected by public charge. The public charge test only matters when a person submits an application for an immigration benefit (and even then, only certain applications—most commonly, an application for a green card through a U.S. citizen or permanent resident family member). Most immigrants do not need to worry about public charge. If you are ready to become a permanent resident, consult with an immigration expert. 

SHOULD UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS WORRY ABOUT PUBLIC CHARGE?

It depends. If a person is not eligible to apply for a green card through a family member, then public charge is not an issue. For many, the need for health care, food support, and housing will far outweigh a public charge concern. If a person has a family member who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and thinks they might be eligible to apply for a green card through that family member, the person should talk to an immigration expert.

WHEN DID THE NEW PUBLIC CHARGE RULES TAKE EFFECT?

The new DHS rule took effect for applications filed in the United States on February 24, 2020. This rule does not apply to applications to get a green card in the United States that were filed before February 24. The new rule does not consider any public benefits used before February 24, 2020.

 Please visit the ILRC website for more details regarding this update to the public charge rule.  

Transfer Resources

Life After College & Entrepreneurship

If you have questions about how your status may affect your career path or what options are open to you, we encourage you to talk to a Dream Center counselor and check out the resources below. 

Graduate/Professional School Options

  • The Immigrants Rising "Life After College" Guide explores graduate school, professional schools, and work options for undocumented students
  • Pre-Health Dreamers has a number of resources and guides for students interested in pursuing the medical and allied health fields, such as Medical school, Dental school, and Nursing.
  • California SB 1139 (2016) prohibits excluding undocumented immigrants from medical school or residency programs on the basis on their citizenship or immigration status. 
  • Immigrants Rising has a list of Graduate School Scholarships and Graduate Fellowships that are open to students regardless of citizenship status.  

Entrepreneurship Options

Students with DACA are granted temporary work authorization, which opens up a wide variety of internship and career opportunities. However, there are also many other options for income generation, regardless of your current immigration status, including independent contracting, freelance work, and entrepreneurship.   

Mental Health & Wellness Resources

Affordable Care Act for DACA Recipients

As of November 1, DACA recipients are newly eligible for Affordable Care Act coverage! ACA coverage is comprehensive, affordable, and covers essential medical benefits, such as free preventative care, mental health care, and hospital care. Trained health enrollment assistants can help you select a plan that fits your needs. Learn more about enrolling here. 

Community Mental Health Resources

The Immigrants Rising Mental Health Connector provides undocumented young people with psychological support, allowing you to access your strengths and resiliency in order to achieve your personal goals and healing.

Our experienced and culturally responsive mental health therapists volunteer to provide free and completely confidential services, tailored to meet the needs of each individual. Therapists receive ongoing peer consultation and training to better understand the unique experiences of undocumented young people.

All undocumented young people who reside in California and are comfortable conversing in English are eligible for our service.

Immigrants Rising also offers weekly virtual Wellness Gatherings to help undocumented young people stay grounded and connected to one another.

Mental Health & Wellness resources from Informed Immigrant, including Black and Latinx therapist networks. 

Chabot College Community Resource Guide

Chabot CARES Mental Health Services

Chabot College offers FREE and CONFIDENTIAL mental health services for all registered Chabot College students.

We offer:  

  • Crisis counseling
  • Short term individual counseling- typically 6 sessions per semester
  • Referrals for mental health services in the community
  • Support Groups

Our mental health practitioners and interns provide confidential assistance for:

  • Depression
  • Relationship issues
  • Family changes & challenges
  • Anxiety (including test anxiety)
  • Financial stress
  • Health crisis
  • Traumatic events
  • Grief and loss
  • Overwhelming feelings
  • Talking to someone in a safe and trusting environment  

Campus Resources for Students