Header Image, Diversity and Access

Undocumented and Immigrant Students

Welcome Students!

The UC Davis Global Learning Hub welcomes all students, from all countries and in all immigration statuses, to participate in our global learning programs. We partner with the Undocumented Student Resource Center at UC Davis and the UC Immigrant Legal Services Center to provide resources and support for undocumented and immigrant students, and promote access to global learning opportunities.

Guidance for DACA Recipients About Traveling on Advance Parole

The team at the UC Immigrant Legal Services Center, has been evaluating the potential future impacts of a Trump administration on DACA recipients' ability to travel on Advance Parole (“AP”) and have provided the following guidance. 

AP is a special travel permit that allows some DACA recipients to travel outside of the United States temporarily for educational, employment, or humanitarian purposes. It comes with some risks which are outlined when those planning to apply for and travel on AP are being advised. The standard risks associated with traveling on AP are those listed on the official Form I-131 instructions (June 2024 version) published by USCIS. Advance Parole does not guarantee reentry to the United States. DACA is subject to change abruptly, and if an applicant’s DACA status or the DACA program changes while the applicant outside the United States, their ability to re-enter the United States may be compromised.

Unfortunately, it is likely that the new administration will no longer permit travel on AP for DACA recipients on or after January 20, 2025, which is how former President Trump approached AP during his first term in office.

Because our students’ safety is our top priority, we plan to offer the following guidance:

For those with an approved and current AP travel document: It is advised that those whose AP applications have been approved to travel, return to the United States no later than January 19, 2025, if possible. We consider this scenario to involve the standard risks associated with traveling on AP.

For those whose AP applications are currently pending: If a pending AP application is approved and the travel period extends past January 19, 2025, it is advised that the DACA recipient either travel and return to the U.S. no later than January 19, 2025 or that they not travel pursuant to that grant of AP so as to reduce the risk that they will be denied reentry to the United States.

For those who would like to apply to travel on AP between now and January 19, 2025: Currently, USCIS may take 5 to 7 months to process new DACA AP applications. Therefore, those who want to travel before January 20, 2025, will need to work with a legal representative to expedite their request or seek emergency approval of their AP application. It is advised that they speak to an attorney to explore whether they may qualify for an expedited request or for emergency AP. The UC Immigrant Legal Services Center team is available to answer questions and to support students in understanding their options. Please reach out to their team if you have any questions or concerns.

For those traveling domestically: UC Davis Global Learning Hub does not currently offer domestic study away programming. Regarding study away and domestic travel, our partners at UC Immigrant Legal Services Center recommend having a legal consultation with a trusted, licensed immigration attorney. Please find their contact information below. F-1 students please seek guidance from your SISS advisor.

Immigration Legal Support

Our partners at the UC Immigrant Legal Services Center recommend having a legal consultation with a trusted, licensed immigration attorney for any non-U.S. citizen considering a study abroad or study away program. This can be requested through UCIMM itself, or with any trusted legal services nonprofit organization or immigration law firm with licensed attorneys. 

To request a free legal consultation, please contact UCIMM's UC Davis Staff Attorney, Christopher Relos.

On-Campus and Virtual Global Learning Programs

Many UC Davis students come to campus with valuable global and intercultural engagement skills developed through lived experiences such as immigration. The Global Learning Hub is proud to support student participation on a variety of U.S.-based programs and on-campus experiences which do not require travel.

Programs Snapshot

 

  • Getting Started

  • 1. Identify your global learning goals.

    2. Research global learning opportunities through the Global Learning Hub.

    3. Meet with an immigration attorney for legal advice and support.

    4. Meet with a Global Learning Hub Advisor to discuss next steps.

    5. Meet with a financial aid advisor to discuss your funding options.

    6. Chat with your support system about your plans.

  • Financial Resources

  • The Global Learning Hub is committed to supporting all students in their pursuit of global experiences. We encourage students to apply broadly to all relevant sources of funding. 

        o    UC Davis students applying for any global learning program can reach out to the Undocumented Student Resource Center for information on grants, scholarships, and assistance with related legal fees. California Dream Act applicants can receive full coverage for USCIS filing fee costs for DACA and advance parole applications.
        o    Use the Funding Search Tool to research additional funding options.
        o    Non-UC Davis students should contact their home campus study abroad offices and undocumented student centers to find out what funding options are available to them.

  • Peer Perspectives

  •     o    UC Davis Global Aggies Blog: Student perspectives on travel and different global learning experiences.

        o    Connect with a returnee from a UC Davis study abroad or away program. Contact a Global Learning Hub advisor for more information.

  • Mental Health Resources and Support
  •     o    Student Health and Counseling Services at UC Davis
              o    Tips for Managing Socio-Political Stress
        o    Undocumented Student Resource Center at UC Davis
              o    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - 'Together We Rise' Support Group

Undocumented Student Resources Contact Information

A Message to Students, Parents, Guardians and Families

Our mission is to provide all UC Davis students with a global education. Thank you for all you have done and continue to do to support your student. We are here year-round to help your student select a program, prepare for travel if they opt to do so, and get the most out of their programs. More resources on the Welcome Parents page.

Contact Information

Brooke smiles in a black shirt in the International Center.

Brooke Paynter

Program Coordinator
Global Learning Hub, Global Affairs
blpaynter@ucdavis.edu