Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (or DACA) eligible and undocumented students and alumni are often highly skilled at navigating systems and developing strong support networks and relationships with mentors.  These are critical skills for navigating a co-op or job search, professional networking, and developing your career. However, shifting laws in the U.S. adds stress and confusion to an already complex process. DACA eligible and Undocumented students and alumni will find below resources about navigating their immigration status and its impact on their co-op and career.

Support at Wentworth

Co-ops & Careers welcomes and supports students and alumni regardless of immigration status.  DACA and undocumented folks often have questions with respect to how their status impacts their co-op search and career development. Additionally, you may need support with identifying opportunities, navigating employment rights law, and disclosing your status to employers.

Your Co-op & Career Advisor is available by appointment to provide advice and support in regards to your immigration status and your co-op or job search, workplace dynamics, and professional development.

Talk with us about

• The types of positions for which DACA or undocumented students can apply.
• Identifying when to disclose your immigration status to supervisors or co-workers, or that you are applying for DACA.
• Identifying when to tell an interviewer that you have received deferred action, or that you have an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
• Addressing harassment or discrimination in the workplace or during interviews.

On Campus Resources

• The Center for Diversity and Global Engagement: Delivers programing and support to promote cultural understanding and social change at Wentworth and beyond.
• The Dean of Students Office: Acts as a resource, referral agent, and an advocate for students so they may live and learn successfully throughout their Wentworth experience. If you are experiencing a financial hardship, please visit their resources page to find information about the Student Emergency Fund and additional resources available. Contact the Dean of Students office at dos@wit.edu.

Resources

Co-op and Job Search

Frequently Asked Questions about DACA and Employment
This page developed by the National Immigration Law Center provides resources and answers to frequently asked questions about DACA and Employment.

Making Money Regardless of Immigration Status
A collection of information and resources about freelancing, contracting, and building your own business from Immigrants Rising.

UndocuSTEM
Maintained listing of STEM internships for undocumented students.

DACA Employment Rights

As a recipient of DACA, you are provided with an Employment Authorization Document Card (often referred to as an EAD, which is a work permit) that authorizes you to work in the United States.  However, it is important that you be aware of your employment rights.  Employers cannot legally ask DACA recipients for more or different work authorization documents beyond what is permitted by the Form I-9.  Furthermore, an employer cannot reject work authorization documents because of your citizen status or national origin.  Both actions are not permitted under law.

Employment Rights with DACA
Find answers to frequently asked questions about DACA recipient’s employment rights with this page developed by Citizen Path.

ILRC Latest in DACA Page
News and information about the latest developments DACA laws and processes from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center.

Undocumented Students

Undocumented students are not legally allowed to work in the United States.  To fulfill co-op requirements, students may volunteer for a nonprofit or do unpaid research with a professor. Contact your Co-op & Career Advisor for more information. Should this cause a financial hardship for you, connect with the Dean of Students as mentioned above.

My Undocumented Life
They provide up-to-date information and resources for undocumented immigrants, their families, and allies.

Organizations and Support

Immigrants Rising
They empower young undocumented folks to achieve their educational and career goals through personal, institutional, and policy transformation. Check out their list of scholarships that do not require citizenship and glossary of common legal terms on forms for DACA recipients. 

Massachusetts Immigration and Refugee Advocacy Coalition
Largest organization in New England promoting the rights and integration of immigrants and refugees.  They provide free legal assistance for DACA students in MA to renew DACA status.

National Relief Resources (by state)
Spreadsheet created by and for undocumented immigrants seeking financial, mutual aid, and legal support. 

United We Dream
Immigrant Youth Led Organization and community for immigrants and refugees, undocumented or not.

Free Clinic Finder
Find affordable healthcare options that do not require insurance near you.