Immigrant Services

Who is a DREAMer?

"The DREAM Act (short for Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act) was a bill in Congress that would have granted legal status to certain undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States as children and went to school here. Although several versions of the bill have been introduced in Congress since 2001, it has never passed. In the last few years, the term “DREAMer” has been used to describe young undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States as children, who have lived and gone to school here, and who in many cases identify as American." (Anti-Defamation League, 2014, adl.org)

ASSET vs. DACA

Colorado state law that provides in-state tuition to qualifying students, if they: 
-have attended a Colorado high school for 3 years immediately before graduation or earning a GED
-admitted to a public/private college within 12 months of graduating from HS or receiving a GED
-be a recipient of the Colorado Opportunity Fund

A federal executive order that allows certain undocumented immigrants who entered the U.S. before their 16th birthday and before June 2007 to a receive a renewable two-year permit and exemption from deportation. On Sept. 6th, 2017, the new federal administration has announced that it would not renew DACA renewal applications, but those who received DACA won't lose their benefits until their current DACA status expires. Students with DACA status, or who are undocumented, can qualify for ASSET if they meet the criteria.

ASSET is independent of DACA 

in-state tuition will continue to be available for qualifying students even if their DACA status ends. Likewise, the financial aid available to students through MSU Denver or through private scholarships will continue to be available even if their DACA status ends.

DACA Student Protest

Denver School Walkout to support DACA students, Sept. 2017 (photo credit Lauren Cordova)