DACA Frequently Asked Questions
On September 5, 2017, the White House announced that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program is being phased out. The DACA program gives temporary work permits and protection from deportation to nearly 800,000 people. An official DHS memorandum rescinding DACA is here and an FAQ developed by USCIS is here.
What is Tufts doing in response to this news?
Tufts will continue to honor our commitment to our DACA and undocumented students, providing them with our unequivocal support so they can receive the quality education that they well deserve. President Monaco’s statement is here.
Tufts is supporting a lawsuit by Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey and others opposing the elimination of the DACA program.
Tufts students who need urgent assistance are urged to reach out to:
AS&E Students (including SMFA): Rob Mack, Associate Dean for Student Success and Advising, rob.mack@tufts.edu or 617-627-2000
Other Tufts Students: Diana Chigas, Senior International Officer and Associate Provost, diana.chigas@tufts.edu or 617- 627-5870.
Can I continue to attend Tufts even if I lose DACA?
Yes. Undocumented students, with or without DACA, are welcome on our campus and should continue to pursue higher education.
Can I renew my DACA?
People with DACA permits that expire on or before March 5, 2018, can file for renewals until October 5, 2017. No new renewals will be accepted after this time so it is imperative to act now. USCIS will not accept renewals at this time for applicants whose DACA expires after March 5, 2018. After March 5, 2018, recipients of DACA will lose the ability to legally work in the United States and start accruing unlawful presence as of the date that their work permits expire.
I currently have DACA, when do I lose the ability to work legally?
Current work permits that cannot be renewed because of the March 5, 2018 cut-off for filing a renewal will remain valid until their expiration date. The work permits are not being canceled or rescinded as of March 5, 2018. For example, if your work permit expires December 10, 2018, you cannot renew it, but it will remain valid until December 10, 2018. Once your work permit expires, you will no longer be able to renew your work authorization under the DACA program and continue to work lawfully.
Will my tuition or financial aid package be impacted if my DACA expires?
If DACA expires, you may not be eligible to continue to work on campus or during the summer. If this is the case, your aid award will be adjusted to take into account your loss of earnings.
I have DACA and I was planning to travel abroad with advance parole. What should I do?
No new advance parole applications from DACA holders will be processed by USCIS at this time. Pending advance parole applications will be administratively closed and the fees refunded. Please speak to your study abroad advisor and academic counselor to make alternative plans.
I applied for advanced parole already and the application is pending. What do I do?
USCIS is not processing advance parole applications from DACA holders at this time. Pending applications will be administratively closed and the fees returned to the applicant. Please speak to your study abroad advisor and academic counselor to make alternative plans.
I am currently abroad on advance parole. What do I do?
Advance parole documents that have been issued continue to be valid up until the expiry date listed on them. CBP continues to have the discretion to deny entry into the U.S. as stated on the advance parole document. We suggest that people on DACA who are abroad right now work contact Diana Chigas, diana.chigas@tufts.edu.
I am an undocumented student. Who can I reach out to for support?
AS&E (including SMFA) students can reach out to Rob Mack, Associate Dean for Student Success and Advising, rob.mack@tufts.edu or 617-627-2000 or Margot Cardamone, Student Success Advisor, margot.cardamone@tufts.edu.
All other students can reach out to Diana Chigas, Senior International Officer, diana.chigas@tufts.edu.
Does Tufts admit students and provide funding to students who are undocumented?
Tufts’ core values include a commitment to equal opportunity, inclusion, accessibility, and diversity. Therefore, Tufts welcomes all undergraduate applicants regardless of citizenship status. Undocumented students, with or without DACA, who apply to Tufts are treated identically to any other U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Tufts meets 100% of the demonstrated need of all admitted students. While procedures for financial aid vary between domestic and international applicants, undocumented students are considered for domestic, need-based financial like any other U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
More Resources
Department of Homeland Security DACA FAQ
Top 10 Ways to Support Undocumented Students
Reasons to Help Undocumented Students