UndocuDREAMers Terminology
Undocumented: Refers to people who are not U.S. citizens or Permanent Residents of the United States, who do not hold a current visa to reside in the U.S. and who have not been approved for legal residency in the U.S.
Undocumented AB 540 (2001): allows qualifying nonresident students to pay in-state tuition at public universities
In-State Tuition (AB 540, AB 2000, SB68): CA law that allows qualifying students, who would otherwise not be eligible for in-state tuition, to pay in-state tuition at UC, CSU, or CA Community Colleges. AB2000 (allows years in an elementary/secondary school to be considered in establishing AB540 eligibility) and SB68 (allows community college years/time in meeting AB540 eligibility).
The CALIFORNIA DREAM ACT (2011): allows AB 540 students to also apply for aid, known as Cal Grants, and non-state funded scholarships.
DREAM Act: The Development Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act is a piece of legislation proposed to provide a pathway to permanent residency and U.S. citizenship for qualified undocumented immigrant students. The DREAM Act has been proposed several times in Congress since 2001, but has not been approved.
DREAMer: DREAMer refers to students who are undocumented and are also part of the DREAM Act movement. DREAMer is a term commonly used by students who connect with the DREAM Act movement, and sometimes used as a way to navigate away from the negative connotations given to terms such as undocumented, immigrant, non-U.S. citizen and so forth.
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA): People who came to the United States as children and meet several guidelines may
request consideration of deferred action for a period of two years, subject to renewal.
Deferred action is a use of prosecutorial discretion to defer removal action against
an individual for a certain period of time, it does not provide lawful status. DACA
recipients are also eligible for work authorization. In 2012, Deferred Action for
Childhood Arrivals (DACA) became an immigration option for undocumented immigrants
who came to the United States before the age of 16. Although DACA does not provide
a pathway to lawful permanent residence, it does provide a renewable two-year period
of deferred action from deportation, work authorization, and the ability to apply
for a social security number.
For more information regarding DACA visit: https://www.uscis.gov/archive/renew-your-daca
DACAmented: The term is used by some undocumented individuals who have received DACA. DACAmented (similar to DREAMer) is sometimes used as a way to navigate away from the negative connotations given to terms such as undocumented, immigrant, non-U.S. citizen and so forth.
Dropping The I-Word: "Illegals" is a racially charged slur used to dehumanize and discriminate against immigrants and people of color regardless of migratory status. The I-word is shorthand for "illegal alien," "illegal immigrant" and other harmful terms. The Applied Research Center (ARC) and Colorlines.com, have presented the Drop The I-Word campaign to eradicate the slur "illegals" from everyday use and public discourse.
F-Visa: It is a type of visa issued to students who are not from the United States but who are attending an academic program or English language program at a U.S. college or university. These students are required to maintain a full-time course load for the entirety of their approved stay.
Generation 1.5: Refers to immigrants who were brought to the U.S as young children and identify as American. The label comes from the groups’ special place as first generation Americans who migrate to this country during childhood and feel strong identification with the U.S., yet are native to another country.
International Student: Most colleges and universities consider any student who currently holds a visa of
any type or is seeking a visa to be international. Undocumented students are not viewed
as international applicants because many do not qualify for a visa, in addition undocumented
students should not have to go through the international admission process as they
cannot provide an international student visa.
Legal Permanent Resident (LPR): or “green card” recipient is defined by immigration law as a person who has been granted lawful permanent residence in the U.S. Mixed Status Family- Refers to students that are either: 1) undocumented, but have family members that are U.S. residents or U.S. citizens or 2) are U.S. residents or U.S. citizens but have family members that are undocumented. Mixed Status Family- Refers to students that are either: 1) undocumented, but have family members that are U.S. residents or U.S. citizens or 2) are U.S. residents or U.S. citizens but have family members that are undocumented.
MIXED STATUS FAMILIES: families with at least one undocumented family member and at least one member who is a U.S. citizen. Over one-third of U.S. households with an undocumented person are mixed families.
Naturalization: The process by which U.S. citizenship is conferred upon a lawful permanent resident after he or she fulfills the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The general requirements for administrative naturalization include: a period of continuous residence and physical presence in the United States; an ability to read, write, and speak English; a knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government; good moral character; attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution; and a favorable disposition toward the U.S.
Non-Citizen: The non-citizen category applies to people born outside of the U.S. and who have not applied for or have been granted citizenship. Permanent residents also fall into this category.
Overstayed Visa: Refers to individuals who have stayed in the U.S. after their tourist, visitor, or student visa has expired and thus they become undocumented by overstaying their visa. Refugee- is a person who has been forced to leave their country in order to escape war, persecution, or natural disaster.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS): The Secretary of Homeland Security may designate a foreign country for TPS due to conditions in the country that temporarily prevent the country’s nationals from returning safely, or in certain circumstances, where the country is unable to handle the return of its nationals adequately. USCIS may grant TPS to eligible nationals of certain countries (or parts of countries), who are already in the United States. Eligible individuals without nationality who last resided in the designated country may also be granted TPS.
T-Visa: T Nonimmigrant Status (T visa) is a set aside for individuals who are or have been victims of human trafficking. It protects victims of human trafficking and allows victims to remain in the United States to assist in an investigation or prosecution of human trafficking.
U-Visa: is an immigration benefit that can be sought by victims of certain crimes who are currently assisting or have previously assisted law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of a crime, or who are likely to be helpful in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity.