Overview: Resources

Entrepreneurship   Higher Education   Law & Policy   Art & Empowerment

ENTREPRENEURSHIP & FREELANCING

GETTING STARTED

BASIC FACTS ABOUT ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Learn about entrepreneurship opportunities available for immigrants, regardless of status.
English Flyer
Spanish Flyer

WORKING FOR YOURSELF

Find out how to become an independent contractor and what you need to pursue this option, including personal information and tax liabilities.
Guide

COMENZANDO TU CAMINO DE EMPRENDIMIENTO

Este seminario web proporcionará información introductoria acerca de cómo trabajar por su cuenta y cómo empezar un negocio. El seminario presentará las experiencias de los empresarios de la comunidad latina en Chicago y Los Ángeles.
Webinar (Spanish)

ITIN GUIDE

Information about the IRS’s Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN).
Guide
Webinar

5 TIPS TO GET STARTED AS AN INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR/FREELANCER

Learn how to get started as an independent contractor or freelancer. This guide outlines the entire process from industry research to contracts and taxes.
Handout

INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR BRAINSTORMING WORKSHEET

This worksheet helps you brainstorm the type of gig work and professional services you can provide as an independent contractor.
English Worksheet
Spanish Worksheet

INCOME & CAREER ALTERNATIVES FOR UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS

Learn about professional development and income opportunities, regardless of immigration status.
Webinar

#UNDOCUHUSTLE FILM

Watch this short film to learn more about the #undocuhustle and Immigrants Rising’s entrepreneurship initiatives.
Video

PLANNING & STARTING A BUSINESS

BUSINESS PLAN

Learn to create a successful business plan by using an app developed by Centro Community Partners, an Oakland-based nonprofit that provides low-income entrepreneurs with trainings and resources.
Webinar

BUSINESS MODEL CANVAS & DESIGN THINKING

Design thinking and developing a business model are essential components for coming up with your business idea or expanding the growth of your business. In this webinar, you will learn more about how to incorporate design thinking in all aspects of a business to stimulate growth and innovation. You will also learn how to use the business model canvas (BMC) to organize and test your ideas, so that you minimize the risk of failure and maximize the potential for success.
Webinar

BUSINESS STRUCTURES

Undocumented individuals can set up different types of business structures — sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, or worker co-ops. Learn about the benefits, limitations, and requirements of each business structure.
Guide

WORKER COOPERATIVES & LLC’S

Learn about worker cooperatives and LLCs and how they are established and operated.
Guide

SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Learn basic facts about social entrepreneurship and how to build a business model with a focus on solving a social problem.
Guide

FINANCING A BUSINESS

CREDIT & FINANCIAL CAPITAL

Learn to build credit and access financial capital for yourself and your business.
Guide

FINANCING/BOOTSTRAPPING YOUR BUSINESS

Learn about banking and credit options for startups. In addition, it will provide information on ways to bootstrap your business and the presenters will share various tips and insights to ensure your venture has a competitive edge.
Webinar

MARKETING & FINANCING: HOW SOCIAL MEDIA CAN LEAD TO FUNDRAISING FOR YOUR STARTUP

This webinar will show you how you can leverage your social capital to fundraise for your startup. You will learn to develop your brand and better understand your customers with the use of social media metrics.
Webinar

MANAGING A BUSINESS

ITINS, EINS, & TAXES

This guide summarizes information related to the Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) and Employer Identification Number (EIN), as well as documentation needed to file taxes as an entrepreneur (with and without employees).
Guide

ACCOUNTING & FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT FOR BUSINESS

During this webinar, we will discuss the importance of having an accounting system set up for your business and the basics of accounting principles. We will also discuss how to set up internal controls to protect your business and some financial management principles, important to all business entrepreneurs.
Webinar

ASSET PROTECTION FOR IMMIGRANT ENTREPRENEURS IN THE US

This webinar for national service providers to immigrant entrepreneurs (coop developers, business advisors, social service providers) addresses concerns around asset protection, and estate and succession planning.
Webinar

ASSET PROTECTION FOR IMMIGRANT ENTREPRENEURS IN CALIFORNIA

This webinar provides California-specific guidance on how revocable trusts and powers of attorney can be implemented to protect the assets of immigrant business owners who are at risk of or subjected to detention and deportation.
Webinar

BENEFITS FOR IMMIGRANT ENTREPRENEURS

RETIREMENT OPTIONS FOR IMMIGRANT ENTREPRENEURS

In this webinar, we will explain the retirement options available for DACA recipients and non DACA recipients. Additionally, we will explore options on retirement accounts for ITIN holders.
Webinar

IMMIGRATION REMEDIES THROUGH ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Learn about immigration remedies available to immigrant entrepreneurs in the United States.
Webinar

STATE & NATIONAL POLICIES

NEW(ISH) RIGHTS IN CA: STATE LEGISLATION TO SUPPORT UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANT ENTREPRENEURS WEBINAR

This webinar reviews SB 1159 and AB 2184 that make it easier for undocumented immigrant entrepreneurs to apply for business and professional licenses.
Webinar

RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS & ALLIES

5 TIPS FOR EDUCATORS TO HELP STUDENTS GET STARTED AS INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS/FREELANCERS

Use this guide to support your students as they get established as contractors and freelancers. Learn how to provide resources, answer questions, and make referrals.
Handout

INCOME & CAREER OPTIONS FOR UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS: HOW COLLEGES CAN HELP

Learn about professional development and income opportunities for undocumented students.
Webinar

HELPING STUDENTS GET THEIR UNDOCUHUSTLE ON: INTRODUCTION TO ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Use this lesson plan to introduce entrepreneurship as a valid income-generating opportunity for anyone, regardless of immigration status.
Lesson Plan


Higher Education

HOW IN-STATE TUITION & CA DREAM ACT WORK TOGETHER READ MORE
Know the difference between In-State Tuition and CA Dream Act

IN-STATE TUITION READ MORE
Qualifications for in-state tuition and exemption for non-resident tuition in California

UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENCES: IN-STATE TUITION VS CA DREAM ACT VS DACA

Understand the differences between these policies and their implications for tuition and financial aid
Flyer

California Assembly Bill 540 (AB 540) / Senate Bill 68 (SB 68)

In-state tuition eligibility is expanding in California through SB 68 and now includes new attendance and degree requirements. Learn more about SB68
Attendance Worksheet
Fact Sheet
Quick Guide (English)
Quick Guide (Spanish)

SUBMITTING THE AFFIDAVIT

Learn how to submit the AB 540/AB 2000/SB 68 affidavits to your school
Flyer

AFFIDAVITS BY INSTITUTION

Affidavit to request in-state tuition at a UC, CSU, or CCC.
University of California
California State University
California Community Colleges

CA RESIDENCY FOR TUITION PURPOSES

Know the rules regarding CA residency for tuition purposes.
Flyer

CHAMPIONING EQUITY: SYSTEMWIDE AB 540 FAQ

This systemwide AB 540 FAQ (frequently asked questions) aims to increase alignment in the implementation of AB 540 and streamline processing between the CCCs, CSUs, and UCs, as well as at individual campuses.
Guide

CA DREAM ACT READ MORE
Details on state-based and institutional financial aid and steps to apply for CA Dream Act

UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENCES: IN-STATE TUITION VS CA DREAM ACT VS DACA

Understand the differences between these policies and their implications for tuition and financial aid
Flyer

CA DREAM ACT APPLICATION MAP
Understand the four phases required to successfully complete the California Dream Act application and receive the maximum amount of aid for which you are eligible.
Flyer
FAFSA VS CA DREAM ACT: APPLY TO THE CORRECT FINANCIAL AID IN CA

Understand the differences between the CA financial aid and the federal financial aid applications to figure out which one best fits your situation to maximize your aid.
Flyer

MIXED STATUS HOUSEHOLDS: HOW TO APPLY FOR IN-STATE TUITION & FINANCIAL AID

NOTE: Due to an ongoing overhaul of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), we do not yet have enough information to update this resource specifically for California for the 2024-25 academic year. However, we do have information on a national scale for mixed-status families here. As soon as more information and clarity is provided by the U.S. Department Of Education, we will update the California resource accordingly.

Resource for students who are U.S. citizen and living in California, but with parent(s) who are undocumented
Flyer
TYPES OF FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE FOR UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS

Use this chart to identify types of financial aid available at CCCs, CSUs, UCs and Private colleges and universities in California.
Flyer

CA DREAM ACT APPLICATION & CAL GRANT CHECKLISTS
Complete this checklist to ensure that you’ve completed all steps necessary to be considered for all state financial aid.
VERIFYING YOUR INCOME FOR THE CA DREAM ACT APPLICATION
NOTE: Due to an ongoing overhaul of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), we do not yet have enough information to update this resource for the 2024-25 academic year. As soon as more information and clarity is provided by the U.S. Department Of Education, we will update this resource accordingly.
Learn about the income verification process, which includes requirements for dependent and independent students.
Flyer
UNDOCUMENTED STUDENT BUDGET WORKSHEET

A worksheet to help you plan your college finances.
Worksheet

SCHOLARSHIPS
Resources that you can use to build your personal statements and apply to scholarships that don’t require proof of Residency

APPLYING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS & FELLOWSHIPS

Learn how to start applying for scholarships and fellowships open to undocumented students.
Guide

LIST OF SCHOLARSHIPS & FELLOWSHIPS

Find scholarships and fellowships that don’t require proof of citizenship or legal permanent residency.
Guide

BUILDING YOUR SCHOLARSHIP OR FELLOWSHIP ESSAY

Theme brainstorming worksheet to help you compose your essays.
Worksheet

SCHOLARSHIP & FELLOWSHIP SEARCH CHART

A worksheet to help you track scholarships and fellowships you’re interested in.
Worksheet

RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS, STUDENTS & ALLIES
Resources and materials educators and allies can utilize to assist undocumented students

TOP 10 WAYS TO SUPPORT UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS

Concrete suggestions and specific resources educators can use to strengthen the support they provide for undocumented students.
Flyer

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE BINDER: COLLEGE ACCESS FOR UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS IN CALIFORNIA

Complete set of resources educators, students and allies can use to increase college access for undocumented students in California.
Guide

QUICK GUIDE TO COLLEGE ACCESS

List of resources regarding to CA in-state tuition eligibility, financial aid, and scholarships.
Flyer

APPLYING TO THE CSU

A quick guide to support undocumented students applying to the CSUs.
Guide for First-time Freshmen
Guide for Transfer Student

APPLYING TO THE UC

A quick guide to support undocumented students applying to the UCs.
Guide for First-time Freshmen
Guide for Transfer Student

OVERVIEW OF UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS

Learn about what statistics show about the undocumented population, how undocumented students are defined, challenges that undocumented students have in pursing college education, and federal/state policies impacting undocumented students.
Handout

COMPARISON OF BENEFITS & RIGHTS BASED ON IMMIGRANT STATUS IN CA

Learn about public benefits and rights related to education, financial aid, and transportation based on immigration status.
Flyer

LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

This guide highlights possibilities open to undocumented students after graduation, including an overview of graduate and professional school and ways to earn a living through entrepreneurship.
Guide

CA HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATOR WEBINAR SERIES

This webinar series is designed to ensure that educators have the most up-to-date tools and resources necessary to support undocumented high school students in California.
Webinar

INSTITUTIONAL PRACTICES
Resources and materials for institutions to assist undocumented students

AB 469: ALL IN FOR FINANCIAL AID INCLUDING UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS

This guide provides an overview of resources and strategies that addresses the unique challenges undocumented students can face when applying for financial aid in California.
Guide

AB 1540: INTEGRATING AB 540 AFFIDAVIT & CA DREAM ACT APPLICATION

This resource is intended to guide educators and practitioners in ensuring that colleges and universities are successfully receiving and processing the AB 540 affidavits.
Guide

BUILDING EFFECTIVE SUPPORT FOR UNDOCUEDUCATORS TO THRIVE & PERSIST IN HIGHER EDUCATION

Learn how campus stakeholders can ensure that UndocuEducators, who play crucial roles in higher education, thrive and succeed in their institution.
Guide
Action Plans

BUILDING PATHWAYS TO AB 540
CA COMMUNITY COLLEGE DREAMERS PROJECT

The report identifies challenges in serving undocumented students in the California Community Colleges and provides recommendations for how institutions can better serve undocumented students.
Executive Summary
Full Report

CA UNDOCUCOLLEGE GUIDE & EQUITY TOOL

The UndocuCollege Guide & Equity Tool helps students, faculty, staff, and administrators in California work together to achieve the educational equity and inclusion of undocumented students. This publication contains three main components: Statewide Institutional Challenges, Institutional Models for Success, and an Equity Tool for colleges and universities in California to assess, analyze and report about the level of support currently present at their institution for undocumented students.
Executive Summary
Full Report

CHAMPIONING EQUITY: SYSTEMWIDE AB 540 FAQ

This systemwide AB 540 FAQ (frequently asked questions) aims to increase alignment in the implementation of AB 540 and streamline processing between the CCCs, CSUs, and UCs, as well as at individual campuses.
Guide

CREATING FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMS

This document provides an overview of fellowships, which are often used in an educational context to support students in their studies or professional development and can provide a sum of money. We discuss best practices in crafting an “inclusive” fellowship that is available for all students regardless of immigration status. We also include a sample fellowship announcement and a sample fellowship agreement.
For Educational Institutions
For Educational Institutions (Webinar)

DEVELOPING A STRONG UNDOCUMENTED STUDENT TASK FORCE ON YOUR CAMPUS

Tangible steps to develop an effective undocumented student task force, or strengthen an existing one, in order to create meaningful institutional changes on your campus.
Guide

EFFECTIVELY SUPPORTING BLACK UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS THROUGH HIGHER EDUCATION

Get an overview of the experiences of current Black undocumented students and recommendations to better reach, engage with, and support this student population.
Guide

A GUIDE TO BUILDING ON-CAMPUS UNDOCUMENTED STUDENT PROGRAMS

Having an undocumented student program (USP) on campus is vital to the retention and success of undocumented students. Learn how you can develop programming in the absence of a dedicated coordinator position, program budget, or designated space.
Guide
Checklist

INCREASING INCLUSIVITY FOR UNDOCUMENTED ASIAN PACIFIC ISLANDER (API) STUDENTS ON YOUR CAMPUS

Learn tangible and effective practices to uplift and connect with undocumented Asian Pacific Islanders (API) students on your college or university.
Guide

PROMISING PRACTICES FOR FINANCIAL AID COUNSELORS: INCREASING AWARD RATES FOR CA DREAM ACT

Use these promising practices for financial aid counselors to increase application and award rates for CA Dream Act on your campus.
Guide

PROTECTING STUDENT DATA IN CA

Federal and California state laws require that educational personnel only provide student records in response to a lawful request. Use this guide to be sure you understand the laws and responsibilities that you are required to follow on your campus.
Guide

STRENGTHENING YOUR CAMPUS WEBSITE FOR UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS

Build or strengthen your campus’ website to increase undocumented students’ access and success—whether your institution is getting started or taking it to the next level.
Executive Summary
Guide
Checklist
Webinar

UNDERSTANDING THE SANCTUARY SCHOOL & SAFE ZONE MOVEMENT

This Quick Guide provides an overview of why sanctuary schools and safe zones are vital to the academic success of undocumented young people and other populations that are being targeted in this political climate. It includes the key components of the protections available by law, tackles legal concerns and provides sample resolutions.
Guide


Law & Policy

GETTING LEGAL HELP / IMMIGRATION OPTIONS

GETTING LEGAL HELP

Need reliable legal help? Learn how to get started.
Flyer

COMMON IMMIGRATION OPTIONS FOR SURVIVORS OF TRAUMA: ASYLUM, SIJS, T-VISA, U-VISA & VAWA

Learn how undocumented young people who have experienced violence, fraud, blackmail, or other forms of threat or trauma can have a path to legal status.
English Flyer
Spanish Flyer

IMMIGRATION OPTIONS FOR UNDOCUMENTED YOUTH: SPECIAL IMMIGRANT JUVENILE STATUS

Find out how undocumented young people who have been abandoned, abused or neglected by at least one parent may have a path to legal status through Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
Video

GETTING A PERM; AN EMPLOYMENT-BASED GREEN CARD

Learn about PERM (also known as Labor Certification) and how foreign nationals (noncitizens and immigrants) may be able to adjust their immigration status through employer sponsorship.
Guide

BEYOND DACA

Learn about options for gaining longer-term status and categories that might work for you now, or in the future
Guide

DEFERRED ACTION FOR CHILDHOOD ARRIVALS (DACA)

STEPS TO RENEW DACA

Some people who have had DACA in the past may submit a DACA renewal application. This handout walks you through the steps you need to take to renew your DACA.
Guide

DACA FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Find answers to frequently asked questions regarding DACA.
English
Spanish

ADVANCE PAROLE TRAVEL GUIDE

Learn what Advance Parole is and how it works, how to fund your trip, the requirements of the application, preparing to travel, experiences abroad, and readjusting to life in the States.
The Advance Parole Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Weighing the Benefits and Risks
Applying for Advance Parole Checklist
Travel Preparation Checklist
Conversation Starters: Talking to Friends and Family about My Trip
Reflection Prompts for Your Time Abroad
Reflection Prompts to Check in With Yourself After Your Trip

IMMIGRATION POLICY

GLOSSARY OF COMMON LEGAL TERMS

Glossary of legal terms intended for undocumented individuals who are attempting to identify and navigate possible forms of immigration relief
Post

DEFINING UNDOCUMENTED

A brief description of this term “undocumented”
Flyer

OVERVIEW OF UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS

Learn about what statistics show about the undocumented population, how undocumented students are defined, challenges that undocumented students have in pursing college education, and federal/state policies impacting undocumented students.
Handout

GUIDE FOR UNDOCUMENTED INDIVIDUALS TRAVELING IN CA

Need reliable legal help? Learn how to get started.
English Guide
Spanish Guide

HOW CAN I GET MY PAPERS

The report contains a comprehensive analysis of a decade of legal screenings for close to 3,000 undocumented immigrants, including findings related to immigration relief, access to counsel, educational attainment, criminal backgrounds, eligibility for Dream-related legislation, and more.
Guide

COMPARISON OF BENEFITS & RIGHTS BASED ON IMMIGRANT STATUS IN CA

Learn about public benefits and rights related to education, financial aid, and transportation based on immigration status.
Flyer

ADVOCATING FOR INCLUSIVE WORK POLICIES

This guide lists some policy ideas that DACA employees and their employers can think about as they try to assess how employers can continue to support DACA employees.
Guide

OTHER POLICIES

REGISTERING FOR THE SELECTIVE SERVICE

Learn why and how undocumented men between 18 and 25 should register for the Selective Service.
Flyer

OVERVIEW OF GRANTS TO INDIVIDUALS (FOR PUBLIC CHARITIES & PRIVATE FOUNDATIONS)

This document provides an overview of the process by which public charities and private foundations can make grants to individuals.
For Public Charities and Private Foundations

CREATING FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMS (FOR EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS)

This document provides an overview of fellowships, which are often used in an educational context to support students in their studies or professional development and can provide a sum of money. We discuss best practices in crafting an “inclusive” fellowship that is available for all students regardless of immigration status. We also include a sample fellowship announcement and a sample fellowship agreement.
For Educational Institutions
For Educational Institutions (Webinar)

THE REAL ID: WHAT TO KNOW

Learn what REAL ID is, how the REAL ID Act will impact the undocumented community, and if the REAL ID is for you.
Post


Art & Empowerment

UNDOCU-IMMIGRANT MENTAL HEALTH GROUNDING AND SELF-CARE TOOLKIT

Use this journal to process and identify practical ways to decrease stress and anxiety in any situation.
Worksheet

NOTE TO UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS

This poster is created to remind undocumented young people that they can still go to college, even with the current political climate, and highlights options to pay for college in CA.
Poster

INSPIRATIONAL POSTERS

This poster series is created to inspire undocumented youth to reach their full potential.
Posters (1st Edition)
Posters (2nd Edition)

INCLUSIVITY POSTER

The Inclusivity Poster provides opportunities for classroom discussions on what it means to have an inclusive and welcoming campus and classrooms for immigrant students.
Poster

VIDEOS & FILMS HIGHLIGHTING UNDOCUMENTED EXPERIENCE

Check out these films, videos, blogs, and other resources that reclaim the narrative and portray the challenges, resilience, and joy of undocumented young people.
Movies Highlighting Undocumented Experience
Videos Highlighting Undocumented Experience

HOW DO WE HANDLE FEAR? A CONVERSATION WITH JORGE RAMOS

How can we stop fear from paralyzing us? Jorge Ramos talks with our Entrepreneurship Fund Grantees about how they handle fear.
Video

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