National Immigration Law Center
USCIS Renewal Process
*Update*DACA recipients win at the Supreme Court!
On January 20, 2021, President Biden’s first day in office, the president signed an executive action to preserve and fortify DACA. President Biden’s memo asks the secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Attorney General, to take all actions he deems appropriate to preserve and fortify DACA.
On December 4, 2020 a New York Federal court ordered the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to restore DACA to its original form. This means:
- If you have never had DACA and are eligible, you can apply for the first time.
- Advance Parole is back in its original form
- Anyone who received a 1-year renewal of their DACA will automatically have their protections extended to two years
- Renewals continue to be accepted
Common DACA Myths
Fact: Undocumented students may be able to work if they qualify for, apply to, and receive a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) work permit.
Fact: We welcome all students regardless of their country of origin or immigration status. As long as a student is currently enrolled at WSU, they have complete access to all of our services including one-on-one advising appointments, drop-in advising, as well as events, career fairs, and programs. We recommend that undocumented students make a confidential career advising appointment to discuss specific options.
Fact: Our mission is to serve all Shockers regardless of their immigration status or membership in any other identity. All conversations between students and career advisors are confidential and the decision to disclose any personal information is at the discretion and comfort of the student.
Fact: Students with DACA work permits can apply for a variety of job and internship opportunities. We recommend meeting with a career advisor to discuss your specific situation.
Fact: A work permit is considered appropriate identification to prove your identity and authorization to work.
Fact: An employer only needs to know that you have legal authorization to work. Though every company is different, the Human Resources office will usually know of your DACA work permit; your supervisor and coworkers do not need to be specifically informed.
DACA Frequently Asked Questions
No, DACA recipents are not eligible to qualify for sponsorship from their employer.
Yes, you are eligible to apply for an on-campus job if you have an eligible work permit through DACA. You are able to apply for an on-campus job through your Handshake account.
Our helpful staff in the Office of Financial Aid can answer your questions and guide you through the process of finding effective solutions to fund your education.
Career Management
All Wichita State University DACA & Undocumented students have access to a Handshake account. In this system, you will be able to manage your career path as an enrolled student and when you become a Shocker Alumni. Handshake is your source for:
- Appointments – select a time that works with your schedule in the career services dropdown to meet with our Career Counselors for a one on one private meeting. Other options include: Interest Assessments, Informational Interviews, Volunteering, Connect with mentor programs or Alumni, Job Shadowing, Graduate School
- Events – sign up for all of our career and employer events, lunch & learns.
- Peer Messaging – reach out to other WSU students, alumni, and employers to ask for and get career advice.
- Workshops – join our resume and job search labs, career exploration workshops.
- Employment – search our database of jobs on-campus, the Wichita metro, and nationwide.
- Virtual Career Events – we host dozens of online career events all year and collaborate across multiple platforms to bring the employers to you. Check out our events section frequently!
Additional Resources
Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, Inc. (CHCI)
HACU Scholarship Program
Hispanic Scholarship Fund
La Plaza
Financial Aid Tips
Undergraduate Scholarships
EDUMED Scholarships for Undocumented Students (includes Medical & Health Scholarships)
Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF)
SGA and SLB Dreamer Scholarship
Wichita State Outside Scholarship Opportunitites