Navigating Immigration

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is DACA, Undocumented, and Mixed-Status families?

  Undocumented or non-citizen: a student is considered undocumented if they do not currently have US citizenship or permanent residency and do not intend to/are eligible to apply for a F-1, G-1, or A-1 visa. 

  Mixed-Status Family: a family whose members include people with different citizenship or immigration statuses. One example of a mixed-status family is one in which the parents are undocumented and the children are U.S.-born citizens.
  
  Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA): federal program offers employment authorization (work permit) and protection from deportation for certain people who qualify. The program is intended for undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States by their parents when they were children.

  Eligibility:

  • are under 31 years of age as of June 15, 2012;
  • came to the U.S. while under the age of 16;
  • have continuously resided in the U.S. from June 15, 2007 to the present;
  • entered the U.S. without inspection before June 15, 2012, or individuals whose lawful immigration status expired as of June 15, 2012;
  • were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time of making the request for consideration of deferred action with USCIS;
  • are currently in school, have graduated from high school, have obtained a GED, or have been honorably discharged from the Coast Guard or armed forces;
  • have not been convicted of a felony offense, a significant misdemeanor, or more than three misdemeanors and do not pose a threat to national security or public safety.

• What Minnesota-focused Resources Are Available to Support Immigrant Communities?

  Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota – Comprehensive immigration services, education, and advocacy for low-income immigrants and refugees.

  MN Office of Higher Education – For MN Dream Act, SELF Loan and other state funds/higher ed questions.

  COPAL MN– a non-profit organization aiming to unite the Latinx community in active grassroots communal democracy that builds racial, gender, social and economic justice across community lines

  Navigate MN or Unidos MN– The largest network of undocumented immigrant young adults in Minnesota; provides education, advocacy, and fellowship opportunities for the immigrant community in Minnesota.

  MN8– a non-profit organization focusing on supporting Southeast Asian families and community members regarding deportation, immigration, and other community resources.

  CAAL MN– a non-profit organization supporting Asian Americans, immigrants, and mixed status families through immigration and advocacy resources.

  Mexican Consulate in St. Paul – Consular services, referrals, ventanillas de salud y educación, and advocacy for Mexican citizens in the state of Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota and Northern Wisconsin.

  Consulate General of Ecuador in Minnesota – Consular services and advocacy for Ecuadorian citizens in Minnesota.

• What National Support Resources are Available for Immigrant Communities?

  Educators for Fair Consideration -Programs and services that holistically address the needs of undocumented young people through direct support, leadership development, community outreach, and advocacy.

  United We Dream – The largest immigrant youth-led organization in the nation with a focus on empowering undocumented youth organizing and advocating for the dignity and fair treatment of immigrant youth and families, regardless of immigration status.

  National Immigration Law Center – One of the leading organizations in the U.S. exclusively dedicated to defending and advancing the rights of immigrants with low income.

  Immigrants Rising – California based organization focusing on wrap around collegiate and mental health support for undocumented students.

• Where Can I Find Additional Legal Assistance and Resources

  Immigrant Law Center Minnesota
  Main Office
  (651) 641-1011
  450 North Syndicate Street, Suite 200
  St. Paul, MN 55104

  Accessible from Macalester’s campus by public transit: Bus lines 16 and 21, and light rail (Green Line). Monday – Friday: 9 am to 5 pm. Client line at 1-800-223-1368 during intake hours to schedule an appointment to speak to a legal staff member. We cannot give walk-in or drop-in appointments.

  Volunteers Lawyers Network
  Immigration, Bankruptcy, Employment and Family                     
  (612) 752-6655
  600 Nicollet Mall, Ste 390A
  Minneapolis, MN 55402

  Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights Refugee and Asylum 
  Immigration and Civil Rights                 
  (612) 341-3302
  310 4th Ave S, Ste 1000
  Minneapolis, MN 55415

  Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services Volunteer Attorney Program
  Immigration, Bankruptcy, Employment, and Family
  (651) 228-9823
  55 East 5th Street
  St. Paul, MN 55101

  Mid-MN Legal Aid
  Serves Minnesotans in the 20 counties of central Minnesota, including Hennepin, from offices in Minneapolis, St. Cloud and Willmar.
  Any request or question regarding legal assistance is handled by our intake process. Please contact your local office, apply online or call our Minneapolis line at (612) 334-5970.

  National Immigration Law Center
  (202) 216-0261
  1121 14th Street, NW, Ste. 200
  Washington, DC 20005