Undocumented / DACA Students
The Hiatt Career Center supports Brandeis undergraduate students and alumni of any immigration/non-immigration status or international identity. You may have additional questions about how your status may impact your professional development.
Career Help
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)-eligible and undocumented students are frequently experts at navigating systems and developing extensive networks of support and mentors. These skills become assets as you explore career and post-graduation options. In addition to campus resources, including the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO), staff members at the Hiatt Career Center can help support you to transition to college, connect with new networks, navigate employment possibilities and direct you to resources.
Employment Rights and Disclosing DACA Status to Employers
As a DACA recipient, you will be provided an employment authorization card (work permit) which affords you many employment opportunities. However, you should also be aware of your employment rights. Employers cannot ask DACA recipients for more or different work authorization documents than what is already permitted by Form I-9. Likewise, an employer cannot reject work authorization documents because of your citizenship status or national origin.
- Citizen’s Path: Answers to frequently asked questions about employment rights of DACA students
General Resources
DACA provides temporary relief from deportation and work authorization for individuals who came to the U.S. as children and meet certain guidelines. You may find the following resources helpful as you navigate employment in the U.S.
- Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals: Information on requesting consideration of DACA
- Immigrants Rising: Scholarships that don't require proof of citizenship or legal permanent residency
- Immigrant Legal Resource Center: Provides legal trainings, educational materials and advocacy to advance immigrant rights
- My (Un) Documented Life: Community for undocumented immigrants, including scholarship opportunities, strategies for navigating the educational system and information on how to apply for DACA.
- National Immigration Law Center: Leading organizations in the U.S. exclusively dedicated to defending and advancing the rights of immigrants with low income.
- Student Caffe: Information on opportunities that DACA/undocumented students can and cannot apply for
- The Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition: Largest organization in New England promoting the rights and integration of immigrants and refugees
- United We Dream: Nonpartisan network is made up of over 100,000 immigrant youth and allies and 55 affiliate organizations in 26 states
Meet With Us
Make an appointment with us to talk about questions, including:
- Should I tell supervisors or coworkers about my immigration status or that I am applying for DACA?
- Do I need to tell an interviewer that I received deferred action or that I have an employment authorization document (EAD)?
- What types of positions can DACA students apply for?
- What can I do if I believe that I'm being discriminated against in the workplace?
- Or just to check in!