It is important to remember that the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (1974) prohibits schools from providing any outside agency—including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)—with any information from a student’s school file that would expose their immigration status. Immigration status should be treated like other student information, such as participation in Running Start or receiving accommodations from Disability Access Services.

College employees should only inquire about a student’s immigration status:

1. If it is beneficial to the support of a student’s educational goals.
2. To evaluate appropriate access to the same educational opportunities as all students.
3. To ensure that students are exposed to learning experiences that focus on college aspirations.

Even after, the information given to the college staff should remain confidential.

On February 26, 2014, Governor Jay Inslee signed into law the REAL Hope Act (SB 6523) also known as the Washington Dream Act. This new law expands eligibility for the Washington State Need Grant to non-citizens. Visit the page to learn if you qualify and how you can apply through WASFA.

Effective July 1, 2003, Washington state law changed the definition of “resident student” allowing certain students eligible for resident student status- and eligible to pay resident tuition rates when they attend public colleges or universities in the state. Learn about the requirements on the HB1079 page.

Learn more about how you can qualify for this program. There are Informational forums and Legal Clinics for Immigrant Youth which take place at Skagit Valley College. Find out when the next Legal Clinic will be! A list of local and state-wide resources for DACA  students is available online here: DACA- Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.

DACA Update – Sept. 26, 2017

Washington state has formed a DACA Renewal Coalition to implement the application fee donation program. This program will soon provide DREAMers with assistance in paying the $495 application fee to apply for a two-year extension of their status in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

A list of both state-wide and locally known organizations are available on our Resources page. Students can access their services and find out more about the local and state-wide advocacy movements. Among the list is the Washington Dream Act Coalition and Skagit Immigrants Rights Council. Go to our page and find out more on Washington state organizations that support undocumented students.

A number of scholarships are available for DACA and undocumented students. You can apply for both local and state-wide scholarships. Skagit Valley College offers various scholarships to help undocumented students continue on with their education. Visit our Scholarships page.

Five Secrets to Success for Undocumented Students
by Katharine Gin, Journal of College Admission, Winter 2010

• Get comfortable asking for help. You can’t do this alone.
• Find older students who can be role models and mentors. They may just be a few years older than you!
• Form strong relationships with teachers and mentors with whom you can speak honestly and openly about your challenges.
•  Be creative. Be entrepreneurial. Don’t take no for an answer.
• Believe in yourself. Know that you have value to your family, your community, your classmates, and your country.