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Resources for Undocumented Students

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Our mission is to empower Panthers, who are undocumented in their pursuit of higher education and foster a supportive campus community dedicated to their educational and personal goals. At Chaffey College, we have approximately 1,000 AB 540 students on our campuses. They are with us to pursue educational goals and/or to gain current job skills. They positively contribute to our campuses and communities daily. For our students and the Dreamers across our nation. Therefore, Chaffey College provides services, resources, and support to undocumented students on our campus.

 

Chaffey College is here to support you!

 

Get access to support services, legal guidance and important information.

Resources
 

Become a Fellow or Mentor in the UndocuSuccess Fellowship program.

UndocuSuccess Fellowship
 

Connect with a Chaffey College team member or submit a question.

Support Team



 
 

student sitting at table

A Message to DACA Students

Many of us are aware that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program has been ruled unlawful by the 5th U.S Circuit Court of Appeals and is at high risk for being repealed.  As we know, the DACA program protects immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children while enabling them to receive an education, work and live freely in the U.S., despite their legal status. 

While the ultimate decision to end the program would be up to the Supreme Court, experts believe it is highly likely the program could be terminated.  We understand that this is troubling and stressful to many throughout the country and in our region. There are currently more than 600,000 people, or “Dreamers,” protected under DACA. This includes approximately 24,300 undocumented residents in Upland, Montclair, Ontario, Chino and Chino Hills alone as of 2018.

At Chaffey College, we have worked to empower and support these students with a supportive campus community through education, workshops, and resources. We believe anyone in pursuit of an education and who wishes to make a meaningful contribution to society should be able to do so. 

Chaffey College Student Services is working with TODEC Legal Services Firm to provide students with the most up-to-date recommendations for anyone impacted by this decision.  At this time, their lawyers are recommending any DACA student put in their request to renew their DACA paperwork. This should be done regardless of how far ahead one’s DACA paperwork’s expiration date is. 

Our goal is to continue to remain informed on any developments related to this important issue and to share information and resources that are and will become available.

Undocumented/LGBTQIA+ Student Contact 

Priscilla Zamora Nunez
Undocumented/LGBTQIA+ Student Liaison
(909) 652-6516
Priscilla.zamoranunez@chaffey.edu 

PRISM imagePRISM Undocumented / LGBTQIA+ Students Resource Center

PRISM represents Pride - Resilience - Immigration - Success - Motivation

Creating a Safe and Brave Space for our Undocumented and LGBTQIA+ student communities. PRISM is a space that creates power through unity, diversity, and resilience. Our mission is to provide a welcoming environment where all individuals can thrive.

PRISM is located in AD 191
(909) 652-6595

PRISM offers:

  • A supportive community
  • Resources that connect and intersect with the student experiences
  • Success workshops
  • Resilience building resources

 

Dreamers – AB540, and DACA Students

The DREAM Act (short for Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act) was a bill in Congress that would have granted legal status to certain undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States as children and went to school here. Although several versions of the bill have been introduced in Congress since 2001, it has never passed. Who are the Dreamers?

In the last few years the term “DREAMer” has been used to describe young undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States as children, who have lived and gone to school here, and who in many cases identify as American. The term DREAMer originally took its name from the bill in Congress, but it has a double meaning about the undocumented youth who have big hopes and dreams for a better future.

Eligibility

Student must:

  1. Apply for the CA Dream Act 
  2. Submit by March 2nd, when required
  3. Successfully meet 
    1. income guidelines
    2. GPA & other Cal grant eligibility 
    3. AB 540/ AB 2000/ SB 68 eligibility 
    4. Program requirements for EOP or EOPS

Note: DACA is not required to apply for the CA Dream Act. DACA is a federal program, while CA Dream Act is a state-based financial aid program.

Benefits

The CA Dream Act allows AB 540/ SB 68 students to apply for:

  1. State-funded grants (including Cal Grants, State grants, UC Grants & the CA College Promise Grant)
  2. State programs such as EOP & EOPS
  3. Certain scholarships administered by the public institution
  4. Financial aid fee deferments, if applicable

Process

  1. Apply for the CA Dream Act at https://dream.csac.ca.gov/
  2. If necessary, complete any additional application materials required by your school (e.g. CA & College Promise Grants, institutional scholarships, etc.).
  3. Review and accept award on school’s portal.
  4. Confirm and accept Cal Grant, if applicable.
  5. Resolve any outstanding holds on your student portal.
  6. Ensure your institution approves AB 540/SB 68 classification.

Any student, other than a non-immigrant, who meets all the following requirements shall be exempt from paying nonresident tuition at all public colleges in California (the California Community Colleges, the California State University and the University of California).

General Eligibility and Residency

  • The law does not grant residency; it requires that certain nonresident students be exempted from paying nonresident tuition.
  • This benefit is available to all U.S. citizens, permanent residents of the U.S., and aliens who are not non-immigrants (including those who are undocumented), who meet all other eligibility criteria.
  • Students must meet all requirements to be eligible for exemption.
  • The exemption is not available for persons who are absent from California, but who are taking distance education classes from California Community Colleges.


Requirements

Students must meet the requirements below:

1: Time and Coursework Requirements (either A or B):

(A) Attendance for three full-time years or the equivalent at any combination of the following:

  1. California high school
  2. California adult school (including non-credit courses offered by a California community college) *
  3. California community college (maximum of two years of credit courses can count toward this requirement)’

OR

(B) Three years of California high school credits, along with three years of total attendance at a California elementary school, California secondary school, or any combination of the three.                                                                                    

2: Degree or Unit Requirements (completion of any of the following):

  1. Graduation from a California high school or the equivalent (GED, HiSET, TASC, CHSPE)
  2. Attainment of an Associate degree from a California Community College
  3. Fulfillment of the minimum transfer requirements from a California Community College to a UC or CSU campus

If you believe you are eligible for AB 540, please complete the following forms:

  1. Residency Questionnaire
  2. AB 540 Affidavit

For Dreamers submit by email to admissions.staff@chaffey.edu

For US Citizens submit by email to admissions.staff@chaffey.edu

Once the documents have been reviewed, you will be contacted by a residency advisor.

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a kind of temporary administrative relief from deportation. The purpose of DACA is to give eligible immigrants who came to the United States when they were children protection from deportation. DACA gives certain undocumented immigrants: 1) protection from deportation, and 2) a work permit. 

What Are The Requirements For DACA?

  • You were under 31 years old as of June 15, 2012;
  • You first came to the United States before your 16th birthday;
  • You have lived continuously in the United States from June 15, 2007 until the present;
  • You were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012 and at the time you apply;
  • You came to the United States without documents before June 15, 2012, or your lawful status expired as of June 15, 2012;
  • You are currently studying, or you graduated from high school or earned a certificate of completion of high school or GED, or have been honorably discharged from the Coast Guard or military (technical and trade school completion also qualifies); and
  • You have NOT been convicted of a felony, certain significant misdemeanors (including a single DUI), or three or more misdemeanors of any kind. Consult with an attorney about ANY contact you have had with law enforcement or immigration authorities.

Visit the California Dream Act Service Incentive Grant Program Next Steps webpage for the Next Steps to take.

Financial Aid - FAFSA/Dream Act Workshops

The Chaffey College Financial Aid Department holds numerous workshops throughout the year regarding the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and the Dream Act application. Financial aid staff provide one-on-one assistance to students who attend.

Spring CA Dream Act Drop-In Hours

Financial Aid CA Dream Act Drop-In Hours

8:00am-4:30pm in the CCSJ (CCE-100G) on the following dates:

September 11th and 25th
October 16th and 30th 
November 13th and 20th
December 18th 

 

Financial support can be found through financial aid, on-campus and off-campus scholarships.

  • The Chaffey College Financial Aid Office helps all students fund their education. The office is located in the student services administration building. 
  • California Student Aid Commission
  • Receive FAFSA/Dream Act assistance application every week on Wednesdays from 2pm-3:30pm and Friday from 9:00am to 10:30am. Registration is required.

student riding bike image

 

Undocumented Support Team

 

 

 

To schedule an appointment with a team member please click on their cards below.

 Video chat on Cranium Cafe with Fabiola Espitia

 

To Learn more about EOPS services email Myra Andrade.

Video chat on Cranium Cafe with Myra Andrade Video chat on ConexED with Mayra Ramirez

 

If you have any questions, please submit your inquiry.

Submit an Inquiry

Fields with * are required.


 

 

Undocumented Advocates Committee

Ann E. Perez, Admissions & Records Coordinator
SSA
(909) 652-6602
ann.perez@chaffey.edu 

Sonia Torres, Educational Services Generalist  
SSA
(909) 652-6622
sonia.torres@chaffey.edu 

Fabiola Espitia, Counselor           
Fontana Campus, FNFC-121           
(909) 652-7461              
fabiola.espitia@chaffey.edu 

Lizzete Garcia, Counselor           
Fontana Campus, FNLC     
(909) 652-7433              
lizzete.garcia@chaffey.edu 

Thalia Garibay, Counselor           
Rancho Cucamonga Campus, AD-191 
(909) 652-6519              
thalia.garibay@chaffey.edu 

Monica Molina, Counselor
Rancho Cucamonga Campus, SSA-112
(909) 652-6208
monica.molina@chaffey.edu 

Neil Watkins, English Coordinator/Club Advisor             
LA-112 
(909) 652-6952              
neil.watkins@chaffey.edu 

Myra Andrade, Counselor           
MACC-205A       
(909) 652-6341 
myra.andrade@chaffey.edu 

Gabriela Gulliver, Financial Aid Specialist  
SSA        
(909) 652-6148              
gabriela.gulliver@chaffey.edu 

Mayra Ramirez-Santiago
(909)652-7444
Mayra.RamirezSantiago@chaffey.edu 

Maritssa Bonilla-Guerra, Scholarship Specialist
(909) 652-6546
maritssa.bonillaguerra@chaffey.edu 

Albert Rodriguez, Panther Care Manager  
AD-107 
(909) 652-6507              
adalberto.rodriguez@chaffey.edu 

RuthAnn Garcia, Transfer Center Director              
SSA-120              
(909) 652-6144              
ruthann.garcia@chaffey.edu 

Resources

The California Community Colleges remain committed to serving all students, regardless of immigration status, and to providing safe and welcoming environments in which to learn. We will do all within our power to assist students affected by this decision, and we will advocate tirelessly in Congress for a permanent resolution to this issue.

  • Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) - helps students in distress and provides supportive intervention
  • Social Wellness & Behavioral Support - provides social and emotional support to students

 909.652.6505 or email Veronica Rios
SSA - 232 (temporarily)

http://fshealth.com/

  • Higher Education Assessment Team (HEAT) -

Officer Maria Rodriguez - maria.rodriguez@chaffey.edu / Richard Munoz, MSW Intern - richard.munoz@chaffey.edu / Andrea Saldate, MSW Intern - andrea.saldate@chaffey.edu - Campus Police number - 909.652.6911

  • Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) Center: 

Merrill Center ~ 14677 Merrill Ave. Fontana, CA 92335 Ph: (951) 643-2340
Windsor Center ~ 1481 N. Windsor Dr. San Bernardino CA 92404 Ph: (909) 361-6470

  • National Hopeline Network - suicide/crisis

855.278.4204 or www.imalive.com

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - crisis call center

800.273.8255 or www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

  • San Bernardino County United Way - counseling/crisis

211 or 888.435.7565 or  www.211sb.org

  • Mental Health Services:
    • CHINO 

South Coast Community Services
11780 Central Ave. Suite 205 Chino, CA 91710
Ph: (877) 527-7227

    • FONTANA 

Vista Community Counseling
17053 E. Foothill Blvd., Bldg. B. Fontana, CA 92335
Ph: (909) 347-1300

    • ONTARIO 

Mariposa Community Counseling
2940 Inland Empire Boulevard Ontario, CA 91764
Ph: (909) 458-1350

    • RIALTO 

Mesa Counseling Center
850 E. Foothill Boulevard Rialto, CA 92376
Ph: (909) 421-9301
Emergency After Hrs: 1 (888) 832-9119

    • SAN BERNARDINO 

Family Service Agency of San Bernardino
1669 N. E Street San Bernardino, CA 92405
Ph: (909) 886-6737 

    • UPLAND 

South Coast Community Services
222 N. Mountain Ave., Suite 110-B Upland, CA 91786
Ph: (909) 835-4800

  • Crisis Walk-In Clinics: 
    • CWIC Rialto

850 E. Foothill Boulevard Rialto, CA 92376
Ph: (909) 421-9495
M-F 8 am – 10 pm & Sat 8 am - 5 pm

    • CWIC High Desert Valley Star Behavioral Health, Inc. 

12240 Hesperia Road Victorville, CA 92395
Ph: (760) 245-8837
Hours of Operation: 24/7

    • CWIC Morongo Basin Valley Star Behavioral Health, Inc. 

7293 Dumosa Ave., Suite 2 Yucca Valley, CA 92284
Ph: (855) 365-6558
Hours of Operation: 24/7

Supportive Organizations and Resources

 

Events

TODEC legal servicesFREE IMMIGRATION Legal Services

TODEC offers FREE legal screening, consultations, citizenship application assistance, fee waiver assistance, and DACA renewals. Services are FREE to Chaffey College students, staff, and faculty.

View flyer for Fall 2024 dates

For more information or if you need accessibility accommodations to partake in your appointment, please contact priscilla.zamoranunez@chaffey.edu

 

 

 

Undocu-Panthers Club

This club empowers immigrants, dreamers, and students through advocacy, education, understanding, and community while providing a safe space open to all students.

Empowering undocumented students infographic

Meets every Wednesday
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Rancho campus AD 191

Faculty Advisor: Neil Watkins
Phone: 909.652.6952
Email: neil.watkins@chaffey.edu 
Email: chaffeydreamers@gmail.com 

 

 

 

Financial Aid Workshops

Every Wednesday from 2:00 pm– 4:00pm (BE Building 100)

Thursday from 9:00 am to 11:00 am (Zoom) Registration is required with the links provided

 

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 academic years with assistance from Financial Aid staff over Zoom on Wednesdays from 2-3:30pm and Fridays from 9:00am to 10:30am. Registration is required.

 

Statements for Dreamers & DACA Recipients

The Chaffey College Governing Board passed a 2017 resolution in support of all students, regardless of immigration status.
Chaffey College Superintendent/President Dr. Henry Shannon issued the following statement on the Trump administration’s action to end DACA: 
“At Chaffey College, we stand behind the words of California Community Colleges Chancellor Eloy Ortiz that the decision to end DACA is “a heartless and senseless decision that goes against American ideals and basic human decency.” The 800,000 lives affected by this decision are people who are law-abiding, educated and fluent in English. They serve in our military, teach in our classrooms and are the doctors, lawyers, scientists and leaders needed to continue building this strong nation. All of them were brought to this country as children and see this nation as their home.

“At Chaffey College, we have approximately 1,000 AB 540 students on our campuses. They are with us to pursue educational goals or to gain job skills. They positively contribute to our campuses and communities daily. For our students and the Dreamers across our nation, we urge Congress to find a permanent solution to this issue. At Chaffey College, we will remain committed to providing educational access to all students in the communities we serve regardless of their immigration status as written in our Governing Board Resolution in February 2017.”
“Ending DACA is a heartless and senseless decision that goes against American ideals and basic human decency. Those who are affected by this decision were brought to this country as children and are pursuing an education and making contributions to their communities. Some have served in the armed forces defending this country. In California, we don’t put dreams --or Dreamers --on hold. The California Community Colleges remain committed to serving all students, regardless of immigration status, and to providing safe and welcoming environments in which to learn. We will do all within our power to assist students affected by this decision, and we will advocate tirelessly in Congress for a permanent resolution to this issue.”
The Chaffey College Classified Senate stands in support of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students at Chaffey College.
The Classified Senate provides Classified Professionals with a formal participatory voice in supporting the College’s mission, vision, core values and promoting a successful learning environment for students. As an integral part of the college community, the Classified Senate strives to actively contribute to the growth and success of ALL members of Chaffey College. We encourage Classified Professionals and all other recipients of this email to continue to proudly stand by our students’ rights to obtain support and pursue educational and vocational opportunities at Chaffey College.

The Chaffey College Academic Senate stands in support of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students at Chaffey College.
Faculty inspire students to reach their goals, and have high academic and professional aspirations. Serving the “whole student” and developing safe, learning-centered environments is the cornerstone of our values. The Academic Senate embraces equity principles, which include respect for students and all employee groups at the college, the dignity and diversity of all students, and the capacity of all students to learn, grow, and succeed. – Academic Senate Pride Statement

And to this end, the Academic Senate is dedicated to providing access, opportunity, and support services to all DACA students as they pursue their educational goals at Chaffey College. As faculty leaders, let us stand in unity in support of our DACA student’s ability to learn and participate in all aspects of the educational opportunities afforded to them with freedom and hope. Our student’s rights are human rights, which are indivisible.

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