First-Gen+ Center

Undocumented Students

Undocumented Students

The First-Gen+ Center gives our full support to the students in our community who are undocumented, and students who are protected by Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or Temporary Protected Status (TPS).  We are committed to connecting them with legal service providers on and off-campus, mental and physical health services, and other support services to support their success at Mason.

What does it mean to be protected by DACA or TPS?

  • Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a temporary immigration status provided to nationals from designated countries facing ongoing armed conflict, environmental disaster, or other extraordinary conditions preventing their safe return. TPS is a temporary benefit that does not lead to lawful permanent legal status or give any other immigration status.
  • Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is an executive order that temporarily defers eligible undocumented youth from deportation for two years, subject to renewal. It provides access to Employment Authorization Document (EAD), a Social Security Number, a driver’s license, and advance parole. Deferred action does not lead to permanent legal status.*Not all students have access to DACA

Note: As of February, 2021, these undocumented communities (undocumented and those protected by DACA and TPS) currently do not have a clear pathway to U.S. citizenship, meaning a sense of urgency and need for services, funding, and policy change for college students with these statuses.