Undocumented Resource Office

West Valley College is committed to supporting undocumented students throughout their academic journey. We believe a student’s immigration status does not affect admission eligibility regardless of AB540/AB130/AB131/DACA-eligibility. We offer various services and resources to further the success of our current and future undocumented students.

Three students gathered
Three students gathered

Assembly Bill 540 was signed into law in October 2001 and allows eligible undocumented, legal permanent resident and U.S. citizen students to pay in-state tuition at public colleges and universities. AB 540 Affidavits are required and approved through the Admissions and Records Office to update a student’s residency status.

To qualify, a student must meet the following requirements:

  • >High school attendance in California for three or more years
  • or elementary or secondary school attendance,
  • or both in California for a total of 3 or more years and
  • attainment of credits earned in California from a California high school equivalent to 3 or more years of full-time high school coursework and a total of three or more years of attendance in California elementary schools, California secondary schools, or a combination of these schools.
  • Must register or is currently enrolled at an accredited institution of public higher education in California;
  • Must file or will file an affidavit as required by individual institutions, stating that the filer will apply for legal residency as soon as possible;
  • Must not hold a valid non-immigrant visa (F, J, H, L, A, E, etc.)

Assembly Bill 130 (AB 130) of 2011, allows students who meet AB 540 criteria to apply for and receive non-state funded scholarships for public colleges and universities. Assembly Bill 131 (AB 131) of 2011, allows students who meet AB 540 criteria to apply for and receive state-funded financial aid such as institutional grants, community college fee waivers, Cal Grant and Chafee Grant.

DACA is an administrative relief that protects eligible immigrants who came to the United States when they were children from deportation. DACA gives undocumented immigrants: 1) protection from deportation, and 2) a work permit. The program requires that the DACA status and work permit be renewed every two years.

As a response to AB 130/131, the California Dream Act application was created to allow eligible AB 540 students qualify for California state grants (Cal Grant) and other financial aid benefits within California. Available each year, the California Dream Act grants access to the CCPG fee waiver, CSM Promise, and EOPS. We strongly encourage students to complete their CA Dream Application by the March 2nd priority deadline of each academic year. Additionally, undocumented students who are ineligible to apply to the CA Dream Act can still look into scholarship opportunities through our campus. For information on the CSM Scholarship and outside scholarships, please visit the CSM Scholarships website.

Campus Support Programs

Services, Immigrant Rights and Education Network (SIREN)

SIREN’s mission is to empower low-income immigrants and refugees through community education and organizing, leadership development, policy advocacy, civic engagement and legal services.

You need to complete the CA Dream Act financial aid application to see if you are eligible for the following types of aid:

  • Cal Grant, Chafee Grant, Middle Class Scholarship
  • UC Grants, State University Grants
  • California Community College (CCC) California Promise Grant
  • EOP/EOPS
  • Some University scholarships
  • Some private scholarships administered by campuses

Types of Financial Aid for Undocumented Students
Type Amount
Cal Grant B $1,648 per year
Chafee Grant Up to $5000 per year
Student Success Completion Grant $4,000 per semester
Scholarships Up to $20,000 per year
CCPG $1,610 per year
EOPS Varies

California Dreamer Service Incentive Grant Program (DSIG)

The California Dream Act Service Incentive Grant Program (DSIG) encourages California Dream Act Application (CADAA) students with a Cal Grant B award to perform community or volunteer service.

Academic Support Resources

Available Mobile Apps
Immigo Features Immigration Basics, Legal Help Finder, Immigration News, Training & Events
Citizenshipworks Eligibility Requirements to become a U.S. Citizen, Filling out the Application, Study Tools, Getting Ready for the Interview
Dreamer's Roadmap Explore up-to-date Scholarships available for undocumented students. Get deadline reminders and tips when applying!
Notifica A project by United We Dream, the app allows anyone to send a message to a preselected number of people in case of detainment.
Oportunidad Civic Engagement, Immigration, Economic Empowerment, Find Help, News


For WVC Students at the Office of Student Needs
  • Food resources
  • Transportation Resources
  • Housing resources
  • Emergency Fund Assistance
  • Book Vouchers
  • Resources for Undocumented Students
  • Clothing Resources
  • School supplies, toiletry items and more.

Legal Support

Legal Support

It's important to understand your rights when confronted by authorities. The following organizations have more information available on their websites.

  • The Know Your Rights webpage maintained by the American Civil Liberties Union provides specific advice about what to do when confronted, questioned or arrested by immigration authorities. You can also download a quick guide to your rights: In English | En Español
  • The Immigrant Legal Resource Center has more information about your legal rights if you’re stopped or questioned and special information for LGBTQ immigrants. The center also has a general resources page and a handbook for immigrant youth.
  • The Rapid Response Network for Santa Clara County, coordinated by Sacred Heart Community Service, maintains a 24-hour telephone hotline at 408.294.1144 to report immigration enforcement activity and obtain support.
  • If you're feeling stressed and want to talk with someone, you can contact or visit the Mental Health and Wellness Center at De Anza, or use the free online TimelyCare service.

Contact

Sebastian Garcia Olirvy

Student Ambassador


Aida Mercado

Student Ambassador


Ryan Ohaya

Undocumented Student Liaison

Last Updated 5/15/24