DREAMers Resource Center

Frequently asked questions

This material is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Am I eligible for unemployment insurance?

In order to qualify for unemployment insurance benefits in Oregon, you must have lawful work authorization in the U.S. This means you must either be a citizen, a lawful permanent resident, or have an SSN and a valid employment authorization document (EAD or work card). This means that people without lawful immigration status in the U.S. are not eligible for unemployment benefits, regardless of work history. DACA recipients, however, are eligible for unemployment as long as they have unexpired EADs and otherwise meet the requirements for receiving unemployment insurance.

See more information on the expanded Oregon unemployment insurance program during the COVID-19 crisis.

Are there other sources of financial assistance available to me if I am undocumented?

What is the current status of the DACA program?

When will the Courts make a decision about DACA?

The case challenging the legality of the DACA policy is currently under review by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. We are now waiting on a final decision, or instructions on next steps, from the panel of judges. Oral arguments were held on October 10, 2024. As of December, 2024, no decision had been made. Regardless of the decision, the case will likely end up before the U.S. Supreme Court.

What happens if the Court terminates the DACA Program?

  • If the Fifth Circuit and/or Supreme Court terminates DACA, it is unclear what the federal government will do with the information that immigrants have provided to them in their DACA applications, which includes statements that they did not have lawful status in the U.S. when they applied for DACA. PCC stands with all of its students, regardless of immigration status, and will do anything within its legal authority to protect DACA students and students without lawful immigration status.
  • NWIRP Know Your Rights Information
  • ACLU Know Your Rights – Immigrant Rights
  • Immigrant Legal Resource Center- Red Cards to print and carry with you (available in various languages).

What privacy protections do I have as a DACA recipient, or a student without any immigration status, if DACA is terminated?

The Personally Identifiable Information (PII) of undocumented or DACA students (along with that of all students, regardless of immigration status) is protected from release under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). FERPA prohibits schools from releasing educational records or most personally identifiable information without consent unless compelled to do so by a subpoena.

FERPA does not protect the employment records of DACA recipients employed by PCC, though it does protect their educational records. Again, it is unclear what the federal government may do with the information it has obtained from DACA recipients.

Can I continue attending PCC if I lose my DACA status?

Yes. Students with any immigration status, including undocumented students, are welcome at PCC and should continue to have access to higher education. PCC stands with you whether or not you have DACA.

What happens to my financial aid package if I lose my DACA status?

In-state-tuition benefits in Oregon, and other ways to help pay for college are available to eligible undocumented students or students who lose DACA. You can start by filling out the ORSAA to be eligible for state financial aid. PCC also has a Dreamer’s Scholarship available to you. These resources will remain in place as these are state-level, not federal benefits.

Is PCC legally required to assist the federal government with immigration enforcement?

There is currently no federal law that requires public institutions to assist the U.S. Department of Homeland Security or Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with federal immigration enforcement activities such as detainment or arrest – or that requires proactive information sharing related to undocumented students or their families.

However, PCC complies with all federal or state laws that do apply to the college, including verifying employees’ (including student workers’) eligibility to work in the U.S., and collecting required immigration status information when a student seeks federal or state financial aid.

In accordance with law, PCC will only share student immigration status or other information with federal or state governments in deportation actions if the college has documented consent from the student, a valid subpoena, warrant or court order – or if there is an emergency health or safety concern (e.g. a threat of imminent violence).

What information does PCC collect regarding students’ immigration status?

There are limited circumstances under which PCC is required by law to request immigration status information. These include when students seek federal or state financial aid. PCC is also required by law to verify employment eligibility when hiring student employees. Verification of employment eligibility provided by student employees may include information related to their immigration status.

Employment records are subject to disclosure under Oregon’s Public Records Law. PCC will treat employment records relating to immigration status as exempt from disclosure to the extent allowed under Oregon law.

Are colleges and universities risking federal funding by naming themselves sanctuary colleges?

According to the American Council on Education:

At this time, no federal agencies that provide federal financial assistance to colleges and universities (e.g. the U.S. Department of Education, the National Institutes of Health, and the National Science Foundation) have adopted policies to compel or even request active cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement by federal funds recipients [the colleges or universities themselves], or policies that would provide a specific basis on which to withhold funding.

It is worth noting that federal legislation could in future be proposed that might affect the receipt of federal funds by colleges or universities that designate themselves as sanctuary institutions. Any such legislation will be subject to the full legislative review and amendment process and potential legal challenges. These processes will provide ample opportunity to participate in or address the enactment of such legislation.

What actions will PCC take if immigration policy at the federal level changes?

PCC’s actions would depend on the changes themselves, and their relationship to existing federal and state laws. Any law requiring state personnel to enforce federal immigration laws is likely to be challenged in court by the states under the 10th Amendment to the US Constitution, which protects states’ rights.

It is important to note that no specific plans related to DACA have been proposed by President Trump to date, and it is far from clear that the new administration will prioritize immigration enforcement.

Should DACA students abroad consider returning to the U.S.?

According to the American Council on Education:
Any potential future change to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program could have serious implications for students studying abroad. If DACA were rescinded while a DACA student is out of the country, there may be no way to return. DACA students studying abroad should make plans to return to the United States before the new administration takes office on January 20, 2017.

I have additional questions. Whom should I contact?

Please contact us at 971-722-7983

Am I eligible to Receive Health Benefits?

As of July 1, 2023, people of all ages who meet income and other criteria qualify for full Oregon Health Plan (OHP) benefits and other services and supports, no matter their immigration status. Beginning November 1, 2024, DACA recipients are eligible for OHP Bridge and Marketplace health coverage.

Types of coverage

OHP Plus covers medical, dental, and behavioral health care. Members have access to additional benefits, like transportation to medical appointments and health-related services. OHP Plus has no member costs. That means no premiums, no co-payments, no coinsurance and no deductibles.

OHP Bridge is a new health coverage benefit for adults with income just above the traditional OHP Plus limit. OHP Bridge has no member costs, but does not cover long-term services and supports or climate, housing, or nutrition benefits.

The Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace helps Oregonians compare and enroll in private health insurance plans. It is the only place where enrollees may get help paying for health coverage and care.

How to apply