Immigration FAQs

Haga clic aquí para la versión en español

Dear Green Dot Community,

While we hope the government will quickly propose a legislative fix for Dreamers, we wanted to take the opportunity to share an urgent update regarding Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). A federal court order recently mandated that the government must begin accepting DACA renewal applications. Given that the federal court order may be overturned at any time, it is critical that all DACA recipients seeking renewal submit their applications as soon as possible. We encourage you to share this information with students, friends or families who may be impacted by this change.

For additional information on DACA renewal applications, please visit the US Citizen and Immigration Services website.

See the list below of organizations offering free legal assistance and/or financial support for renewal fees.

*All funding is subject to availability

Green Dot understands that there are many questions regarding immigration and our commitment to protect students from discrimination and harassment. We hope that the following will answer some of the most frequently asked questions.

Q: What impact does undocumented immigration status have on my child’s education?

A: None. The United States Supreme Court has interpreted the 14^th Amendment of the Constitution to provide a right of equal access to education to children regardless of their immigration status or their parents’ immigration status.

Q: Does Green Dot Public Schools ask for a child’s immigration status when he or she enrolls?

A: No. Because of a child’s right to equal access to education, Green Dot enrolls students regardless of their immigration status or any other protected classification.

Q: Would Green Dot ever share its students’ immigration status with federal immigration officials?

A: Green Dot protects its students’ privacy rights to the greatest extent allowed by law. Because Green Dot does not ask for students’ immigration status when they enroll, staff should not be aware of students’ immigration status, nor are they permitted to share any private student information.

Q: What does Green Dot do to ensure that no student or family is discriminated against or harassed because of their race, ethnicity, religion, national origin or other protected classification?

A: Green Dot believes deeply in ensuring equity and in providing safe learning environments. Green Dot enforces its policies that mandate no discrimination or harassment for our students, families, or employees on the base of race, ethnicity, religion, national origin and any other protected classification. Green Dot also has procedures in place to address any alleged violation of these non-discrimination policies.

Q: What should I do if I feel like I have been the victim of discrimination or harassment?

A: Please report the behavior immediately to a supervisor or school leader. Complaints and concerns can be filed using the Uniform Complaint Procedures in the Student Policy Manual. We take these complaints very seriously to assure that our schools continue to provide equitable education and safe spaces for learning.

Q: What should I do if I want to understand my immigration rights?

A: Only immigration attorneys can provide you with accurate advice about immigration status and how you can pursue any legal rights you might have. For your own protection, please do not seek the advice of notaries or others who are not licensed immigration attorneys. A list of available resources can be found below. Also, you can seek an immigration attorney from the American Immigration Lawyers Association here.

Q: What if I am a DACA recipient?

A: Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is based on an order by the president. On Tuesday, September 5, 2017, the current administration announced the repeal of DACA, which will happen slowly over the next six months. As a result:

The administration will not consider new applications for legal status dated after Sept. 5, 2017. Applications filed before Tuesday that are pending will continue to be processed.
Anyone who has a DACA permit expiring between now and March 5, 2018, can apply for a two-year renewal. That application must be submitted by Oct. 5, 2017.
Some Dreamers, those with permits that expire between now and March 5, 2018, will be eligible for legal status for another two-plus years. For others, legal status ends as early as March 6, 2018.

If you are a recipient of DACA, consider reaching out to an immigration attorney now to determine if you have access to a better form of immigration status. Additional information can be found here and below.

If you have not done so already, apply for a Social Security Number while your DACA and work permit are still valid.
- Your social security number is a valid number for life, even once your work permit and DACA approval expires.
- You can and should continue to use the SSN you got under DACA as your SSN even after your work permit expires.
- You can use your SSN for education, banking, housing and other purposes.
If you have not done so already, apply for a driver’s license or state identification card if your DACA is still valid.
Work permits, or Employment Authorization Documents, are generally valid until they expire or the government demands they are returned. We are waiting for additional guidance, but the following should apply:
- If DACA ends but you are allowed to keep your work permit, you have the right to work legally until your work permit expires.
- For more information about your rights as an employee see this advisory by the National Immigration Law Center
Know Your Rights – both documented and undocumented people have rights. At all times, carry a red card to exercise your right to remain silent in case you are stopped or questioned by ICE.