All individuals have the right to earn money, even if they are undocumented. Our Dream Team can help you find ways to get your Undocu-Hustle on as an undocumented entrepreneur or explore other income generating ideas and plan for your future career. For more information on upcoming career workshops, navigate to the Dreamers Events page. If you are exploring career options, undecided about your major, or otherwise need assistance with resume and cover letter writing, reach out to Miramar Career Services.
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DACA & Your Workplace Rights | DSIG | Undocu-Hustle | Licensing | Work Authorization | E-Verify
DACA & Your Workplace Rights
As a recipient of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), you will be provided an employment authorization document. Also known as an EAD or work permit, the card opens doors to new employment opportunities that were previously not available to you. But you should also be aware of your employment rights. Employers cannot ask DACA recipients for more or different work authorization documentation than what is already permitted by Form I-9. Likewise, an employer cannot reject work authorization documents because of your citizenship status or national origin.
It is your responsibility to maintain your DACA status and the employment authorization that comes with it. If you continue to work for an employer after your EAD has expired, you will be working without authorization. That could lead to problems down the road if DACA recipients are granted a path to legal status. Therefore, it’s very important to keep your DACA status renewed.
Source: CitizenPath
Links to further reading: Employment Rights with DACA, National Immigration Law Center: DACA & Your Workplace Rights, National Immigration Law Center: About DACA & Employment.
DSIG
California Dream Act Service Incentive Grant Program
The California Dream Act Service Incentive Grant Program (DSIG) encourages California Dream Act Applicant (CADAA) Students with 1) a Cal Grant A award that met Cal Grant B eligibility or 2) a Cal Grant B award to perform community or volunteer service. The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) will award up to $4,500 per academic year (up to $2,250 per semester) to 1,667 eligible students. The grant will be available to the student for up to 8 semesters while they have an active Cal Grant A or B award. Students must also meet Satisfactory Academic Progress and complete any necessary verification for their Cal Grant award.
Eligible students must apply annually, attend a qualifying institution, have sufficient unmet financial need, and complete community or volunteer service hours in that academic year. Students shall perform at least 150 hours per semester or 100 hours per quarter of community or volunteer service. Students can volunteer with any of the organization(s) on the List of Service Organizations or with any organization not on the list if it meets the criteria for a qualifying service organization. Organizations not on the List of Service Organizations, can complete and submit the Service Organization Registration form found on the DSIG Forms webpage.
Schedule an appointment if you are interested in participating in the DSIG program at Miramar College!
Undocu-Hustle
Everyone, regardless of immigration status, can make money by building their own businesses and working for themselves. We’re here to show you how to generate income through entrepreneurship and freelancing. Contact our office at miradreamers@sdccd.edu for tools to help you get your #UndocuHustle on!
Undocu-preneurs Activity
Undocumented Entrepreneurs or Undocu-preneurs have the right to earn a living and can do so by building their own business or working for themselves as an independent contractor or in the gig economy. While there are many considerations, this is often the best income generation pathway option for undocumented individuals to pursue.
Our activity workbook, which was adapted from a worksheet offered by Immigrants Rising, will help you discover how you can leverage your talents, and education to become an Undocu-preneur. You will also learn how to earn a living as an independent contractor or as a gig economy worker.
Although the worksheet can be completed on your own, we encourage you to attend one of our Undocu-Career workshops, during which we go through the workbook in a group setting.
Miramar Career Center
The Miramar College Career Center assists students in developing career goals by exploring their values, skills, personality traits and interests in an inclusive and supportive environment. Career Center staff can assist with career exploration, resume and cover letter writing, and more!
To learn more about the Career Center visit sdmiramar.edu/services/careerservices.
REC Innovation Lab
The Regional Entrepreneurship Center, the REC, Innovation Lab is a startup incubator on the campus of San Diego Miramar College focused on helping entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds, including undocumented individuals, to launch scalable, high-growth startup businesses that use technology to solve problems.
Students who complete the entrepreneurship program receive a certificate, a degree, and transferable course credits. They also have access to exclusive scholarships and grants. The REC also hosts many in-person and virtual workshops for students and community members to learn more about specific programs and opportunities.
To learn more about the REC Innovation Lab visit recinnovationlab.com. To view upcoming REC events visit the program's Eventbrite page. For more information email info@recinnovationlab.com.
Professional Licensing (SB 1159)
Senate Bill 1159 (2014) is a California law that allows individual applicants for professional licenses to use either a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) in their process to seek licensure. The bill also prohibits, except as specified, any entity within the department [of consumer affairs] from denying licensure to an applicant based on his or her citizenship status or immigration status.
This means that any undocumented person in the state of California who meets all requirements for a state-administered professional license (e.g., education, hours, etc.) can apply for said license using an ITIN.
Some examples of professional licenses include, but are not limited to, athletics, barbering and cosmetology, construction and contracting, education, health care, legal services, and real estate.
Work Authorization
Form I-765 - Application for Employment Authorization: Certain noncitizens who are in the United States may file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, to request an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Other noncitizens whose immigration status authorizes them to work in the United States without restrictions may also use Form I-765 to apply for an EAD that shows such authorization. For more information and to access form I-765 visit this link: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.
Disclaimer: We highly advise you to speak with an attorney that specializes in immigration and employment law before filling out or filing any federal forms. Submitting documents to the federal government that misrepresent your documentation status or your right to work, knowingly or unknowingly, can put you in legal jeopardy or at risk for deportation.
E-Verify
E-Verify is a web-based system that allows enrolled employers to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States. E-Verify employers verify the identity and employment eligibility of newly hired employees by electronically matching information provided by employees on the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, against records available to the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
E-Verify is a voluntary program. However, employers with federal contracts or subcontracts that contain the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) E-Verify clause are required to enroll in E-Verify as a condition of federal contracting. Employers may also be required to participate in E-Verify if their states have legislation mandating the use of E-Verify, such as a condition of business licensing. Finally, in some instances employers may be required to participate in E-Verify as a result of a legal ruling.
E-Verify, which is available in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, is currently the best means available to electronically confirm employment eligibility.
Learn more at e-verify.gov
🚨Disclaimer: This webpage is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. You should contact our legal aid partners at the Higher Education Legal Services or another trusted, licensed legal representative to discuss your unique situation and circumstances.