DACA Resources
Over the past several years, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) program has gone through several changes that have created uncertainty for Dreamers in the United States, including students at the University of Central Oklahoma.
The July 16, 2021, ruling by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, prohibiting the federal government from granting new first-time DACA applications, creates additional uncertainty for UCO students with DACA status. This decision, alongside others that came before it, are contrary to our nation's revered values that provides unlimited opportunities to achieve the American Dream.
Dreamers, through no fault of their own, were brought as children to the United States. They currently have no legal pathway to citizenship. As we have found through experience; however, they are exceptional students who are committed to the cultural values of the United States. We know these students and alumni flourish in advancing the economic and social fabric of our community and our nation.
UCO affirms its commitment, articulated in its mission statement, to help all of its students learn by providing transformative education experiences. This commitment extends to and embraces students with DACA status. These students are valuable and valued members of the Central community and make important contributions to the university and to the communities the university serves.
DACA Status
- Previous DACA recipients can apply for renewal
- New applications are not being processed at this time
- In the state of Oklahoma, individuals are eligible to attend colleges and universities regardless of status per the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
Applying to UCO as an Undocumented Student
Undocumented students, with or without DACA status, should follow the application procedure for undergraduate or graduate student status on the Undergraduate Admission website. Undocumented students should not apply as international students. Find more details and instructions on the UCO Undocumented Students website
Resources for Dreamers
Resources will be added as these become available. If you would like to provide an additional resource, email Liliana Rentería Mendoza.
- ACLU Know Your Rights
- Dream Action Oklahoma
- Low-cost immigration services in Oklahoma
- Dreamer Intake Services
- DreamAct Oklahoma – Know Your Rights clinics will provide free legal consultation as part of the services. Contact info@dacaok.org for more information.
- The Guatemalan Consulate
- The Mexican Consulate in Little Rock
- Centro de Información y Asistencia a Mexicanos: 1-855-463-6395
- Conmutador Consulado Little Rock: 501-372-6933, ext. 261
- Protección Emergencias: 501-952-3462
- Resources for Dreamers from the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities
- Undocublack Network
- Immigrant Legal Resources Center
- United We Dream
- National Immigration Law Center
- FAQs related to DACA (Department of Homeland Security)
- Aspiring Americans Scholarships (external scholarship)
- UCO Foundation Scholarships are not restricted by citizenship status. Among these scholarships are the Dreamer Fund and the Tio Chuy’s Auto Group Difference Maker Endowed Scholarship Fund.
Support for Current and Future DACA Students
The following groups on campus provided statements of support and solidarity for our current and future DACA students.
Hispanic American Student Association
Latino Faculty & Staff Association