We Support Undocumented Students! 

Scroll down for campus resources including mental health support, information about your legal rights and free legal services available to you, along with helpful community services, upcoming events, undocumented student videos and more!

Free Immigration Services – Filing Fees Also Covered

Find Your Ally provides free immigration legal services and case support for California community college students, staff and faculty members. This includes covering your DACA and naturalization filing fees!

(HEFAS has moved! They're now located in the East Cottage, near the Flint Garage.)

Reaffirming Support for Undocumented Students

Foothill-De Anza Declared a Sanctuary District

The Foothill-De Anza Community College District was declared a sanctuary district by the Board of Trustees on April 7, 2025, in an action that reaffirms the longstanding commitment by the district and both De Anza and Foothill colleges to serve and educate ALL students. (Read the full resolution.)

As the resolution states: 

Designating Foothill-De Anza Community College District a sanctuary district sends a powerful message of support to students, employees and community members that the district is an institution they can trust to make every effort to provide safe spaces to learn and work within the limits of applicable laws, including by providing training to staff and adopting procedures so that any immigration officers attempting to enter nonpublic spaces of campus are asked to identify the legal authority to do so (e.g., valid judicial warrant or emergency circumstances) …

The resolution goes on to say the district will not cooperate with any effort to create a registry of individuals based on legally protected characteristics – such as religion, national origin, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity – and that the district will not release identifiable student or employee information without a court order or as required by law. 

Previous Action by the Board of Trustees – Jan. 13, 2025

De Anza's commitment to undocumented students was previously reaffirmed on Jan. 13, 2025 by a unanimous vote of the Foothill-De Anza district Board of Trustees (the governing board for De Anza and Foothill colleges), in a resolution declaring that colleges in the district will continue to maintain the privacy of student records and won't cooperate with state or federal efforts to obtain student information without a warrant.

The board also noted that the California Community Colleges' Chancellor's Office has declared that community colleges should remain "safe, welcoming places for people from all backgrounds," including undocumented students.

Statement From Foothill-De Anza Police – Jan. 23, 2025

Foothill-De Anza District Police Chief Danny Acosta issued the following statement on Jan. 23, 2025:

We are deeply committed to fostering trust and creating a safe and welcoming environment for our campus community, regardless of immigration status. 

The enforcement of immigration laws is the primary responsibility of federal agencies, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In alignment with California Senate Bill 54, the Foothill-De Anza Police Department does not inquire about a person's immigration status and will not cooperate with ICE to detain individuals solely for immigration enforcement. 

The ability to report a crime or access services from the Foothill-De Anza Police Department is not dependent on a person’s citizenship or immigration status. 

In accordance with California Assembly Bill 1261, our police department is committed to protecting immigrants who are victims of crime and can assist with completing U and T Visa applications. If you are a victim or witness of a crime, you will not be threatened with deportation. 

We understand that seeking help can be a vulnerable moment. We want every person to feel safe, valued, and respected when they reach out to us. Our focus is on building trust, fostering relationships and, above all, prioritizing public safety. 

Estamos profundamente comprometidos en promover la confianza y crear un entorno seguro y acogedor para nuestra comunidad universitaria, independientemente de su estatus migratorio. 

La aplicación de las leyes de inmigración es la responsabilidad principal de agencias federales, incluyendo el Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas de los Estados Unidos (ICE). En alineación con el Proyecto de Ley 54 del Senado de California, el Departamento de Policía de Foothill-De Anza no solicita información sobre el estatus migratorio de una persona y no cooperará con ICE para detener a individuos únicamente por cuestiones de cumplimiento de leyes de inmigración. 

La capacidad de reportar un delito o acceder a los servicios del Departamento de Policía de Foothill-De Anza no depende de la ciudadanía o el estatus migratorio de una persona. 

De acuerdo con el Proyecto de Ley 1261 de la Asamblea de California, estamos comprometidos a proteger a los inmigrantes que son víctimas de delitos y podemos ayudar con el trámite de solicitudes de Visas U y T. Si usted es víctima o testigo de un delito, no será amenazado con la deportación. 

What To Do if ICE Agents Are on Campus

ICE on Campus ProtocolPosters have been placed around the college to help ensure that students and employees know what to do in the unlikely event that immigration agents come to the De Anza campus.

The posters are a project of the Academic Senate, building on earlier efforts by HEFAS (Higher Education for AB 540 Students), in collaboration with the Office of Communications and President’s Office.

As the posters indicate, employees should follow these steps if Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents appear on campus:

  1. Notify the President’s office by calling 408.864.8705.
  2. Direct students to stay in their classroom, if they’re enrolled in the class. Otherwise, direct students and colleagues to a private office of a trusted individual, away from agents.
  3. Refer or escort agents to the President’s Office, ADM 127. (Don’t give consent for them to enter any facilities. Let the president decide this.)
  4. Stand by as a witness, if you feel comfortable doing so.
  5. Check in and share resources with students and colleagues.

You can download printable PDFs of the poster and a wallet card with the same information:


Campus Resources

HEFAS (Higher Education for AB 540 Students) 

HEFAS provides peer support and resources to reduce financial stress and help create a safe learning environment for fellow undocumented students. Visit the HEFAS website or drop by the HEFAS Center in the East Cottage (near the Flint Garage). You can also check the HEFAS resources webpage for community organizations and other resources available off campus.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

The California Dream Act allows undocumented students to apply for and receive state financial aid. More information is available from De Anza's Financial Aid Office and the California Student Aid Commission.

If you have a parent (or parents) who doesn't have a Social Security Number, the California Student Aid Commission has a special webpage with advice on how students in your situation can apply for financial aid.

Mental Health and Wellness

De Anza students can get free psychological counseling through the campus Mental Health and Wellness Center. The center offers individual sessions and weekly support groups. Plus: You can speak online with a mental health professional through TBH – it's free and available 24/7.

Undocumented students can also find mental health support off campus through the Mental Health Connector service operated by Immigrants Rising, which also maintains an extensive list of other mental health resources.

Legal Resources and Updates


Know Your Rights!

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


Free Legal Assistance 


DACA Updates

monarch butterfly

Despite judicial rulings against the DACA program, courts have issued orders that allow current DACA recipients to maintain their current rights and renew their status. If your DACA status has expired, you may still be eligible to file for renewal under the federal court order. However, some immigration experts recommend that individuals should seek legal advice before filing an application.

  • If you are already enrolled in DACA, your work permit and protection from deportation will remain in effect until they were scheduled to expire – generally two years after you enrolled. 
  • DACA is a federal program and any legal challenges to DACA do not affect your eligibility to attend De Anza or any community college in California.
  • Legal challenges to DACA also do not affect your ability to qualify under AB 540 for exemption from non-resident tuition, or to apply for state financial aid under the California Dream Act.
  • These groups have more information about applying to renew DACA status


Community Resources

  • Amigos de Guadalupe is a community organization based in San José that operates housing, immigration, mental health and educational programs.
  • Immigrants Rising is a Bay Area nonprofit that supports undocumented people through policy work and direct services in education, immigration law and mental health. 
  • Sacred Heart Community Service supports residents in San José and nearby communities by providing assistance with food, clothing, education, housing, employment and other needs.
  • West Valley Community Services operates food, housing and other safety net services for low-income residents of Cupertino, Saratoga, Los Gatos, and West San José.

My Undocumented Life

Check out My Undocumented Life, a blog with helpful tips and stories about navigating the educational system – including the admissions process, DACA, financial aid and more –  written by current and former undocumented students. 


Upcoming Events

Look for more events throughout the year on these sites:


Our Committment to All Students

De Anza College is dedicated to providing education and a safe environment for all students, regardless of their immigration status. In a time of uncertainty and concern about federal government policy, De Anza has reaffirmed its commitment to treat all students with equity and respect.

While a federal judge ruled on Sept. 13, 2023, that the DACA program doesn't comply with federal law, the ruling allows current DACA recipients to maintain their current rights and to renew their status. President Biden has promised to continue the legal fight for DACA, which may ultimately go before the U.S. Supreme Court. 

monarch butterfly

The presidents of De Anza and Foothill colleges said in a joint statement that DACA and undocument students are still eligible and welcome to attend both colleges.

"We want to reassure you that despite a federal judge's disheartening ruling last week that again found the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program to be unlawful, Foothill College and De Anza College continue to welcome current and potential undocumented and DACA students," said the statement by Lloyd A. Holmes, president at De Anza; Kristina Whalen, president at Foothill; and Lee D. Lambert, chancellor of the Foothill-De Anza Community College District.


Campus News

Student Commencement Speaker: "This Country Was Built on Immigrants"

Grad speaker Manny BArriosManuel Alonzo Barrios, a member of De Anza's graduating class of 2019, shared his personal story with thousands of fellow graduates, relatives, friends and supporters during the 2019 commencement ceremony. He described the experience of coming to the United States at age 11, saying he often felt like "a small rock that was being pushed downstream by a rushing river."

"For me, the most significant challenge has been this little secret –  the secret of over 11 million people in the U.S. – the secret of being undocumented in this country," said Barrios. 

Barrios said he found support when he came to De Anza and became involved with HEFAS and other programs on campus.

"No longer did I have to keep hiding in the shadows," he said. "Best of all, I found my purpose and was inspired to continue to chase my dreams."

Barrios, who earned an associate degree in Liberal Arts at De Anza, plans to become a dentist and open a clinic that's also a resource center for underserved and immigrant families. His determination to succeed, along with his service as a student leader and mentor, was recognized when he was awarded the Karl S. Pister Leadership Opportunity Award, which provides $20,000 to a De Anza student who transfers to the University of California, Santa Cruz.

"I will never forget how De Anza built for me, as well as for my fellow classmates, a small village. A village that treats you with respect that allows you to express yourself. A second family that is willing to support you no matter what, and that everywhere you go, you will always be welcome and treated with love and kindness," Barrios said.

Urging his fellow graduates to remember the sacrifices of their families and loved ones, Barrios drew applause when he added: "This country was built on immigrants, and at some point in their lives they came to this country following a dream, with empty hands filled with hopes." He continued:

"Remember that the weapon against ignorance is knowledge. To meet difficulties we must have courage, to face the improbable, we must have dignitity. To aspire for greater power we must love to serve and understand humanity. Learning is a process, not an event. If we think that learning will stop, once we walk this stage and get a degree, it is not true. We should never stop!"

De Anza Grad Earns "Immigrants Rising" Scholarship

Pancho AntonioPancho Antonio knew hardship when he was growing up in the Mixteco-speaking indigenous community of Oaxaca, Mexico. At age 19, he made the difficult journey to the United States because he wanted to pursue higher education. 

Pancho first enrolled in adult school in East San Jose, where he did so well that he was hired to teach English and math to adult students.

After coming to De Anza, he graduated with honors in 2017 and served as a student speaker at the Latinx Grad Ceremony. Pancho transferred to the University of California, Berkeley, where he is majoring in ethnic studies. He plans to become a professor specializing in indigenous cultures.

Immigrants Rising is a San Francisco-based nonprofit that helps undocumented students pursue education and career goals, so they can better support their families and communities. Pancho is one of eight college students who received a scholarship of up to $7,000 from the group in 2018. They are selected for academic excellence, financial need and community impact.

students speaking at rally


De Anza Student Stories

These videos were recorded with De Anza students in 2017. Captions are available in English and Spanish – click "CC" or "Settings" to select a language.

Manuel: "What's the future going to look like?"

Itzel: "People are afraid right now"

Brenda: "(At) De Anza ... you feel supported 110 percent"

Congratulations to Itzel and Brenda for earning $25,000 scholarships from TheDream.US !

Earlier Statements of Support

Video Interview

Brian Murphy

Former De Anza President Brian Murphy, who retired in 2018, spoke about supporting undocumented students in a video and interview with My Undocumented Life, a blog developed by and for undocumented students.

  • Speaking at De Anza's 2019 graduation event, Interim President Christina G. Espinosa-Pieb told students and their families: "De Anza College stands with, and behind, our undocumented students!"
  • Responding to a 2017 White House order barring immigrants from certain countries, De Anza College and then-President Brian Murphy pledged support to international students and emphasized the college's commitment to inclusion and equity.
  • In an earlier message, President Murphy cited Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s call for "vigorous and positive action" as he announced campus events to support undocumented students.
  • President Murphy outlined the college's commitment to provide resources and assistance for all students.
  • The Foothill-De Anza Community College District Board of Trustees unanimously adopted a Resolution in Support of Undocumented Students and a Resolution in Support of DACA, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.
  • President Murphy shared his thoughts after the presidential election, reaffirming the college will provide sanctuary, safety and respect for all students.
  • The Board of Governors for California Community Colleges adopted a resolution urging then-President Trump to preserve DACA and affirming that community colleges will remain safe and welcoming for all students regardless of their immigration status.

Previous Events on Campus 

Undocumented Student Action Week: Oct. 14-18, 2024

Tuesday, Oct. 15

  • 9-10 a.m. – Unlocking Financial Aid Opportunities – sign up for this webinar, sponsored by the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office
  • 11 a.m.-2 p.m. – Wall of Dreams – visit south side of the Library, next to the Pride Center

Wednesday, Oct. 16

  • 9-10 a.m. – Pathways to Belonging: Understanding Naturalization and Lawful Permanent Residency – sign up for this webinar, sponsored by the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office
  • 12:30-2:30 p.m. – HEFAS, UndocuSTEM and VIDA Open House – drop by the East Cottage for refreshments and games

Thursday, Oct. 17

  • 9-10 a.m. – Bridging the Gap: Enhancing Culturally Competent Mental Health Care – sign up for this webinar, sponsored by the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office
  • 2-3:30 p.m. – History of Immigration – sign up to attend this event hosted by the Office of Equity in ECOT 1

Friday, Oct. 18

Undocumented Student Action Week: Oct. 16-20, 2023

Monday, Oct. 16: Have Fun + Learn About HEFAS

Learn all about Higher Education for AB 540 Students (HEFAS), the peer resource center for undocumented students at De Anza.

  • 10 a.m.-noon: Tabling in the Main Quad
  • 3-5 p.m.: Open house in the East Cottage

Wednesday, Oct. 18:  UndocuArt – You Belong Here

Everyone's invited to help decorate wooden butterflies that will be part of the "Facing Home" exhibition at the Euphrat Museum this fall. We'll be creating art to honor those who have passed, and to celebrate the who, what and where that helps you feel a sense of refuge.

Thursday, Oct. 19: UndocuQueer Art – Making and Belonging

This is another opportunity to help decorate wooden butterflies that will be part of the "Facing Home" exhibition at the Euphrat Museum this fall. We'll be creating art to honor the parts of us that got us to where we are, along with things we need to let go.

Friday, Oct. 20: UndocuCon – Building a Brighter Future

This one-day event will celebrate the Bay Area undocumented community's diversity, resilience and strength, while highlighting resources available for undocumented college students, families and the community.

Undocumented Students Week of Action: Oct. 17-20, 2022

Community colleges throughout California hosted local events in support of undocumented students and their families. h These De Anza events were organized by HEFAS, or Higher Education for AB 540 Students. 

Monday, Oct. 17: HEFAS Open House

  • 3- 5 p.m.
  • Stop by in person!
  • Have fun and learn about Higher Education for AB 540 Students (HEFAS). Stop by the new HEFAS Center in the East Cottage to meet the staff and interns for HEFAS and UndocuSTEM. Find out about resources available to you. 

Tuesday, Oct. 18: UndocuQueer + Know Your Rights 

UndocuQueer and Mental Health Day

  • 10:30-11:45 a.m. – Art Workshop in the HEFAS Center, East Cottage
      • Stop by in person!
      • Vision boards, journaling, earrings and bracelets!
  • Noon-1:30 p.m. – Navigating Undocuqueerness and Mental Health Outside Capitalism
      • This workshop will be a Hybrid Event, it will be held at the HEFAS Center at the East Cottage and on Zoom –  
  • 2-4 p.m. – Art Workshop in the Pride Center, Library 136
      • Stop by in person!
      • Vision boards, journaling, earrings and bracelets, plus LGBTQ+ flag bracelets!
  • HEFAS and the Pride Center are joining forces for a day of art-making and workshops that will center on mental health and wellness, intersectional identities, and anti-capitalist self-care.  We will collectively learn through the process of telling the stories of undocumented LGBTQ+ communities, making space for folks to exist and create authentically, and finding healing through community care.

Know Your Rights and Other Immigration Options

  • Starts at 4 p.m.
  • This webinar will be held on Zoom –
  • Join this interactive webinar, hosted by the Immigration Institute of the Bay Area, to learn about your legal rights and immigration options. Participants will be able to ask questions anonymously and schedule a free consultation afterward. 

Wednesday, Oct. 19: Let's Talk Money and Navigating the Transfer Process

  • 3:30-5 p.m. 
  • This workshop will be held on Zoom – 
  • This workshop will explore ways to build financial stability as a first-generation community college student, regardless of your immigration status. It will be hosted by Dr. Ana Romero Morales, founder of Brewing Dinero, a social media platform that aims to increase financial knowledge in BIPOC and undocumented communities.

Thursday, Oct. 20: "Status Pending" Film Screening

  • 12:00-1:30 p.m. and 6-7:30 p.m.
  • This event will be held in the Foothill College Smithwick Theater, in collaboration with the Foothill Family Engagement institute
  • Join us for a screening of this short documentary, followed by a panel discussion with filmmaker Priscilla Gonzalez.
  • "Status Pending" portrays an informal support group for first-generation, Mexican-American immigration law practitioners as they contend with constant attacks on immigrants and immigration law. Through their perspective, the viewer sees how changes in the law directly affect their clients and families.

monarch butterflies on blue background

Undocumented Student Action Week: Oct. 18-22, 2021

  • Monday, Oct. 18: HEFAS Open House and Launch – Kick off the week by learning about the work of the HEFAS Center at De Anza. 
  • Tuesday, Oct. 19: Be Scared and Do It Anyway – Art and Fear – Create your own digital poster with artist Griselda Madrigal Lara!
  • Wednesday, Oct. 20: Nurse Unseen – Documentary Filmmaker Michele Josue – Join a conversation with Emmy award-winning maker of a new film that highlights the challenges faced by Filipinx/a/o nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. 
  • Thursday, Oct. 21: HEFAS Open Mic Night – Share your poems, spoken words, songs or art relating to the theme of "Going Back To Your Roots."
  • Friday, Oct. 22: Unpacking the Fight for Citizenship with Denise Panaligan – Learn about the history of citizenship and how to create a new meaning for contemporary times.

Undocumented Students Action Week: Oct. 19-23, 2020

Monday, Oct. 19

Yosimar Reyes: We Are More Than Tragic Stories

Yosmar ReyesIn the public imagination, undocumented people are viewed as people with no agency. What if we told stories of strength? 

Meet Yosimar Reyes, a nationally acclaimed undocumented American poet, public speaker and activist, who was born in Guerrero, Mexico and raised in East San José, California.

This keynote and writing workshop is aimed at exploring and uplifting the power of undocumented residents. Hosts include the De Anza Latinx Association (DALA), the Office of Equity, Social Justice and Multicultural Education, and Higher Education for AB 540 Students (HEFAS).

Tuesday, Oct. 20

 Undocu-Leadership Opportunities * 

Hear directly from California community college undocumented and mixed status students as they discuss the advantages of joining a club on campus, attending and presenting at conference and how to find a mentor to help you succeed and achieve your professional goals.

Lingua Franca"Lingua Franca" Watch Party

The Jean Miller Resource Room is hosting a Netflix watch party for this dramatic film about an undocumented Filipina trans caregiver and her journey to secure a green card. The film’s director and star, Isabel Sandoval, is a trans immigrant.

Wednesday, Oct. 21

Jhett Tolentino"Lingua Franca" Discussion

JMRR faculty coordinator Chesa Caparas will lead a live discussion with Jhett Tolentino, co-producer of the film, "Lingua Franca."

What's Next After Community College? *

A panel of undocumented community college students will share their experiences transferring to a 4 year university. They will share how they were able to use their associate or certificate degree to advance their career or become an entrepreneur.  

Thursday, Oct. 22

Financial Hustle ** 

Join with De Anza staff members for a conversation in a safe space about money from financial aid to budgeting, banks and credit unions, car loans, credit and taxes. We believe having information that sets you up for financial success is an essential life skill. 

Undocu-Advocacy and Civic Engagement ** 

This workshop will feature legal representatives from the Immigration Institute of the Bay Area.

  • Time: 3-4:30 p.m.
  • Join via Zoom ID: 912 2387 0575

*Event sponsors include the California Community Colleges, Academic Senate for California Community Colleges, California Student Aid Commission, California Undocumented Higher Education Coalition, Foundation for California Community Colleges, Immigrants Rising and the Student Senate for California Community Colleges.

** Event sponsors include Higher Education for AB 540 Students (HEFAS),the Office of Equity, Social Justice and Multicultural Education and the Vasconcellos Institute for Democracy in Action (VIDA).

2019-20 Speakers and Events

Call to Action! Oct. 14-17, 2019

Community colleges across California set aside this week for  activities to support undocumented students and to advocate for those facing uncertainty over the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Activities at De Anza included

Monday, Oct. 14

  • 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Main Quad
  • Register to vote and sign a postcard to send to legislators 

Tuesday, Oct 15

  • 1-3 p.m. in Campus Center Conference Rooms A & B
  • Info Session: Learn about children in ICE detention; donate to support them and their families

Wednesday, Oct. 16

  • 1:30-3 p.m. in Media and Learning Center (MLC) 103
  • UndocuHustle: Learn about becoming an undocumented entrepreneur

Thursday, Oct. 17

  • 12:30-2 p.m. in East Cottage (ECOT) 1
  • Info session: Know your rights! 

Call to Action Week event sponsors include Higher Education for AB 540 Students (HEFAS); Vasconcellos Institute for Democracy in Action (VIDA); Office of Equity, Social Justice and Multicultural Education; Community College League of California; Asian Law Alliance; University of San Francisco and UndocuHustle.

2018-19 Speakers and Events

Luis Cortes Romero, Attorney and Dreamer: Oct. 24, 2018

luis cortes romeroImmigration attorney Luis Cortes Romero has a personal stake in the fight to defend Dreamers: He is one.

Cortes grew up undocumented after he was brought to the United States by his parents when he was a child. He went to community college and San José State University before earning his law degree. Now he assists immigrants and has sued the Trump Administration on behalf of DACA students.

Cortes Romero spoke about his own story during a campus visit on Oct. 24, 2018 and answered questions about current issues related to U.S. immigration law. He appeared at the invitation of Danny Acosta, assistant chief of the Foothill-De Anza Community College District Police, in support of undocumented students. Event sponsors include the Equity and Engagement Division, HEFAS (Higher Education for AB 540 Students) and the Office of Interim President Christina Espinosa-Pieb.

Undocumented Student Week of Action: Oct. 15-19, 2018

hands holding postcardStudents, faculty and staff at community colleges around California dedicated this week to advocate for undocumented students and call for a long-term resolution of the DACA issue. Here are some of the activities at De Anza.

Monday, Oct. 15:

Get Out the Vote: Register to vote and sign a postcard urging Congress to create a pathway to citizenship for DACA students – 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Main Quad

Tuesday, Oct. 16: 

Get Out the Vote: Register to vote and sign a postcard urging Congress to create a pathway to citizenship for DACA students, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Main Quad 

Rapid Response Network: Learn how to respond and protect families during immigration enforcement activities, through this training offered by Sacred Heart Community Service, 1:30-3:30 p.m., MLC 255 (second floor) 

Wednesday, Oct. 17:

On Immigration and Journalism: A discussion with Sonia Nazario, author of the Los Angeles Times series, “Enrique’s Journey,” about the experiences of Latin American child immigrants, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Campus Center Conference Rooms A&B. 

Thursday, Oct. 18:

Election Forum: The Millenial Vote, 1:30-3:30 p.m., Campus Center Conference Room B 

Week of Action cosponsors include the Vasconcellos Institute for Democracy in Action (VIDA) and the Office of Equity, Social Justice and Multicultural Education, as well as the Asian Law Alliance, Community College League of California, PUSO and Sacred Heart Community Service. 

2016-17 Speakers and Conferences 

De Anza hosted several events in Winter and Spring 2017 that focused on civil rights and resources for immigrants.

The series started Jan. 31 with a talk by Jose Antonio Vargas, an undocumented immigrant who grew up in Silicon Valley, became a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and founded Define American, a nonprofit media and culture group.

Later the same day, attorney Alison Kamhi from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center spoke about federal immigration policy under the Trump administration.

The ILRC's Kamhi returned to campus Feb. 8 for a practical workshop on legal rights and real-world scenarios for encounters with immigration officials.

Attorneys from the Asian Law Alliance visited the campus on two days, Feb. 13 and 27, to provide free consultations for undocumented students who had questions about their own circumstances or the immigration status of family members.

On May 5, 2017, HEFAS hosted its annual summit conference for students at De Anza and neighboring schools. The program was entitled "Build Bridges, Not Walls" and the featured speaker was Sarahi Espinoza Salamanca, creator of the DREAMer's Roadmap app. She is a former undocumented student who was named a Champion of Change at the White House in 2014.

Services at De Anza

  • HEFAS, or Higher Education for AB 540 Students, provides peer support and resources to reduce financial stress and help create a safe learning environment for fellow undocumented students. Visit the HEFAS Center in the East Cottage (near the Flint Garage).
  • Admissions and Records can help undocumented students qualify under AB 540 for exemption from out-of-state tuition.
  • Financial Aid has information on the California Dream Act, which lets AB 540 students qualify for state and privately funded financial aid at public colleges.
  • The Outreach Office can help answer questions from current and prospective De Anza students who are undocumented.
  • EOPS or Extended Opportunities Programs and Services, provides additional assistance for low-income and disadvantaged students.
  • Undocumented students are entitled to the same protection from sexual harassment and sexual discrimination that Title IX, a federal law, guarantees to all at De Anza.
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