Undocumented DACA Student Support

Hawkeye Community College is committed to improving the quality of life in the communities that we serve by empowering all of our students regardless of their immigration status. Our staff and faculty are ready to answer any questions you may have. We have also compiled a list of resources that address emerging issues that our undocumented students might have.

Hawkeye Community College Resources

Information regarding policy update on Deferred Action (DACA) and Dream Act

• Current status of DACA

• American Council on Education summary information on U.S. House passing American Dream and Promise Act, March 22, 2021

Know Your Rights

Your rights under the United States Constitution

• The Fifth Amendment gives you the right to remain silent and for you to not have to answer any questions regarding your immigration or citizenship status with a police office or any government official.

• The Fourth Amendment protects you from letting government officials enter your home, workplace or search your vehicle. They do not have the right to search you or your belongings without your consent or probable cause.

• Watch, DACA: Know Your Rights

Red cards

• A portable list of your rights that can be printed and taken with you everywhere

Legal Resources in Iowa

• Immigration Lawyers [pdf]

Dare to Dream Scholarship

The Dare to Dream Scholarship was created to provide financial assistance for undocumented, DACA, and other students that do not have access to federal/state financial aid based on immigrant status to help pay for college costs at Hawkeye Community College.

Common Questions

As an undocumented/DACA student can I attend Hawkeye Community College?

YES! Hawkeye welcomes all students regardless of their immigration status

As an undocumented/DACA student is my application process different?

Your application process is the same, however you should not add your temporary SSN or ITN. Apply for admission at Hawkeye.

If you have any questions feel free to contact Abby Martin, Admissions Representative for Diverse Populations, at abigail.martin@hawkeyecollege.edu or 319-296-2329.

As an undocumented/DACA student am I eligible for financial aid?

Unfortunately undocumented/DACA students are not eligible for financial aid. However, there are many scholarships out there that are available for you.

• Dare to Dream Hawkeye Scholarship
• A to Z guide
• Chicano Organizing & Research in Education (Que Llueva Café Scholarship)
• FastWeb
• Golden Door Scholars
• Mexican American Legal and Educational Fund (MALDEF)
• TheDream.US
• The Hispanic Scholarship Fund
• SOS Migrant Student Scholarship

For more information please contact Gissela Baker at gisella.baker@hawkeyecollege.edu.

Other Helpful Websites

• Foreign Diploma and Transcript Evaluation
• Ethnic Minorities of Burma Advocacy and Resource Center (EMBARC)
• Iowa Department of Human Rights, Immigration Resources in Iowa
• Waterloo Catholics, Catholic Perspectives on Immigration
• Immigration Advocates, National Immigration Legal Services Directory
• IowaLegalAid.org, Food Stamps and Immigrants
• Federal Student Aid: Eligibility Requirements
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services: Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
• American Friends Service Committee
• Refugee Alliance of Central Iowa
• United We Dream
• YWCA Latino and Multicultural Services