The Higher Education Legal Services (HELS), a program of Jewish Family Services San Diego, is partnered with San Diego Miramar College to offer FREE immigration legal consultations to students and staff!
The Miramar College Dreamers Support Office strongly encourages all undocumented and immigrant students to schedule a consultation with the Higher Education Legal Services. It is a FREE services that you are entitled to as a Miramar College student! If you are unsure of whether you should consult with an attorney, you can schedule an appointment with a Miramar Dreamers staff member first; however, you do not need a formal referral from our office. This page provides you with more information about our partners, the current status of DACA, and other community organizations that provide relief for immigrants.
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HELS | Find Your Ally | DACA | Citizenship | AB 60 | Other Resources
Higher Education Legal Services
HELS provides FREE immigration legal services to students, staff, and faculty at San Diego and Imperial Valley Counties community and state colleges. Highly qualified legal practitioners provide culturally competent, trauma-informed, reliable expertise to the campus community. Virtual and in-person appointments are available; however, on-site appointments are only at the following college campuses: CSU San Marcos and San Diego State University, Mira Costa College, Cuyamaca College, Southwestern College, and San Diego City and Mesa Colleges. For access to HELS staff at Miramar College, navigate to the Dreamers Events page to find upcoming workshops.
HELS Services
- Consultations (ask us anything!)
- DACA Renewals
- Citizenship
- Family-Based Immigration
- Know Your Rights
- Emergency Planning & Safety Preparedness
- Advance Parole
- Referrals for Removal Defense (going to court)
- And more!
HELS Appointments
If you are ready to schedule an appointment with the Higher Education Legal Services, you can do so by phone at (858) 637-3345, by email using helsimmigration@jfssd.org, or online at www.jfssd.org/HELS.
Higher Education Legal Services Higher Education Legal Services (HELS) provides FREE immigration legal services to students, staff, and faculty at community and state colleges in San Diego and Imperial Valley Counties. For more information about the HELS program, call (858) 637-3345 or email helsimmigration@jfssd.org and follow on Instagram @hels_sd. Servicios disponibles en español. Indique su idioma de preferencia en el formulario. Para asistencia en español, llame al 858-637-3345. |
I'm NOT Jewish - Can I Participate?
Yes; you definitely can! You do not need to be Jewish or affiliated with the Jewish religion or the State of Israel to access services. Jewish Family Service of San Diego was founded in 1918 when it began serving Jewish refugees. As time passed, the list of services expanded and now, at JFS and the Higher Education Legal Services, we offer services to the community in general.
I'm NOT Affiliated with Miramar College - Can I Access the Program?
Possibly; keep reading. The Higher Education Legal Services (HELS) program provides services to eight CA Community Colleges in the San Diego and Imperial Valley region. HELS also provides services to two California State University campuses: San Diego State University and California State University at San Marcos. At the CSU level, HELS is able to provide services to current students, staff, faculty and their immediate relatives such as spouse, parents, children, and siblings.
I'm NOT Affiliated with Any CA College or University - What Services are Available to me?
Anyone not currently affiliated to a CA Community College or California State University campus may receive services with JFS’ General Immigration Services Department. To schedule an appointment, please email immigration@jfssd.org or call (858) 637-3365. If there is no answer, make sure to leave a message with your name, number, and reason for calling as missed calls are not returned.
Stop! If you are not sure if or how you qualify, schedule an appointment with a Miramar Dreamers Support staff member first and we will explain your options.
I'm Concerned About Privacy - Will Miramar College Know What I Talk to HELS About?
No; never! JFS and HELS abide by the HIPAA Act of 1996. Services are confidential from the moment an appointment is scheduled. This means that HELS will not be sharing client/potential client’s information with anyone outside of their office unless written consent has been provided by the client/potential client via our Consent to Release of Information form.
For example, in instances where a student is being referred or assisted by a faculty/staff in scheduling an appointment, HELS cannot confirm or deny to the faculty/staff if the student attended the appointment or not. Also, HELS will not communicate any details of the case to anyone other than the client/potential client and anyone included in the Consent to Release of Information.
Furthermore, in instances where a student is being referred or assisted by a faculty/staff in scheduling an appointment, college employees are bound by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children's education records. These rights transfer to the student when he or she reaches the age of 18 or attends a school beyond the high school level. Students to whom the rights have transferred are "eligible students."
Find Your Ally
The Higher Education Legal Services Project provides FREE immigration legal services to California Community Colleges students, faculty, and staff. This California-funded effort connects trusted legal service providers with individuals in need to assess their unique case and plan for their future. DACA renewal, Advance Parole and Naturalization filing fees are covered for eligible students attending California Community Colleges.
Mire el video de arriba en español
Note: Our partnership with the Higher Education Legal Services means you do not need to go through the Find Your Ally system to get a legal consultation; although, you may do so if you would like. Refer to the above section for more details about FREE immigration legal services for Miramar College students through HELS.
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
What is Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)? On June 15, 2012, President Obama announced that the U.S. government would not deport certain undocumented immigrants who came to the United States when they were children. Eligible individuals were able to apply for and given a type of temporary permission to stay in the U.S. called "deferred action." Deportation action was deferred for two years, subject to renewal for an additional two years. Students under DACA are considered by DHS (Department of Homeland Security) to be lawfully present in the United States during the period of deferred action.
Important DACA Update
On Thursday, September 13, 2023, Federal Court Judge Andrew Hanen, issued his decision regarding DACA. He ruled that the DACA program violates immigration law. However, the court did not order the Biden administration to shut down the DACA program or to stop processing renewal applications. DACA was found unlawful, but this is not the end for DACA recipients.
Current DACA Guidelines:
- If you are a current DACA Recipient: You are still protected and you can still renew your DACA.
- If you have been a DACA recipient but your status is expired:
- Expired for one year or more: Your renewal will be treated as a new application, which are being accepted but are NOT being processed.
- Expired for less than one year: You can still renew your DACA before one year past expiration.
- If you are DACA eligible but have not applied: Applications are being accepted but are NOT being processed
- If you are DACA eligible and have applied: Pending applications are still NOT being processed
- Advance Parole: Advance Parole (travel document) is still open to DACA recipients. Processing times can be lengthy.
It is critical that everyone who may be a DACA recipient, DACA eligible, or whose DACA application is pending have an individual consultation with a trusted immigration provider; schedule an appointment with the Higher Education Legal Services by phone at (858) 637-3345, by email using helsimmigration@jfssd.org, or online at www.jfssd.org/HELS.
Source: jfssd.org/our-services/refugees-immigration/daca
ICYMI: DACA Updates Webinar
The Higher Education Legal Services staff has made available a virtual presentation that details the latest DACA news. You can watch a recording of the webinar by clicking the button below.
DACA Eligibility & Benefits
- Under age 31 as of June 15, 2012
- Entered U.S. prior to age 16
- At least 15 years old at time of request
- Resided continuously in the U.S. since June 15, 2007
- Have not committed a felony or significant misdemeanor
- Currently enrolled in high school, have graduated from a U.S. high school, earned a GED, or have been honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces
Renewing Your DACA
Due to federal court orders, USCIS continues to renew grants of deferred action under DACA that are current or have expired within one year. USCIS can accept, but is not processing, new requests from individuals who have never before been granted deferred action under DACA or that are expired for more than one year. Until further notice, and unless otherwise provided by USCIS, the DACA policy will be operated on the terms in place before it was rescinded on September 5, 2017. For more information visit U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Beginning April 1, 2024, DACA renewal filing fees will increase to:
Paying for DACA
How to Fund DACA Renewals
Saving enough money to cover your DACA renewal fees can be a challenge. Here are a few resources and suggestions for students who need support paying the application fees.
- Start a personal fundraising page on GoFundMe
- Send letters and emails to select friends or family members asking for assistance
- Instead of gifts for your birthday, ask for money to help you pay for the renewal request
- Talk to your employer and ask if they can cover the cost of your renewal fee to minimize the risk that your employment would be disrupted while awaiting a decision on your DACA and work permit renewal
- If you are a member of a faith group, reach out to your house of worship; they may be willing to help
- Use the Informed Immigrant DACA clinic map to search for DACA renewal clinics in your area.
- Use the Informed Immigrant Legal Service Directory to find a pro bono legal service organization near you.
- If you are a DACA beneficiary of Mexican origin, approach your consulate for an immigration screening and individualized legal assistance. Call 855-463-6395 or find a list of local Mexican Consulates.
Citizenship
Becoming a U.S. Citizen happens through an immigration process known as naturalization, which is the process by which U.S. citizenship is granted to a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR; Green Card holder) after meeting the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). To learn more about the naturalization process and who is eligible visit uscis.gov/citizenship/learn-about-citizenship/citizenship-and-naturalization.
Citizenship Classes
Miramar College does not offer citizenship or naturalization classes. However, the College of Continuing Education (the non-credit division of the San Diego Community College District) does offer a free citizenship course. Our community partners at Jewish Family Services San Diego also provide free citizenship classes.
Students focus on the development of English language skills and knowledge of American History and Government. Students also prepare for the citizenship application, the Government and History Test, and the final United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) interview.
- Classes are free
- Online options are available
The Immigration Legal Services Department at Jewish Family Services of San Diego offers 10-week citizenship courses. We will classes are offered from February 20 – April 24, 2024.
What you will learn:
- English speaking, reading & writing skills you’ll need for the interview
- U.S. Geography
- Early America
- U.S. founding documents
- U.S. system of Government
- People who made history
- Civil Rights in America
- Events that shaped the world
- American symbols and holidays
- How to participate in government
- Your rights and responsibilities
- How to apply for Naturalization
- Digital skills you’ll need to succeed
The International Rescue Committee, San Diego, offers FREE citizenship test prep! You must have a valid Green Card (Lawful Permanent Resident) and be eligible to apply for U.S. Citizenship.
In-person and remote classes are available, and all classes are taught in English. You will practice reading, writing, understanding, and speaking English for the interview, and students also learn about American history and civics using the 100-question Civic Test as a guide.
Students can receive a FREE book and other study materials at a designated time and place, during the first week of classes. Upon completion of the course, students are eligible for free (remote) citizenship application preparation with the IRC.
To register please send an email to immigration.sd@rescue.org or call (619) 641-7510 ext. 250
Naturalization is the process of becoming a U.S. citizen. The below fee schedule is updated as of April 1, 2024.
Beginning April 1, 2024, Naturalization fees will be:
Applicants with household incomes between 150% to 400% of the federal poverty guidelines may pay a reduced fee of $380.
AB 60 Drivers License
AB 60 is a California Assembly Bill that was signed into law in 2013. AB 60 directs the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to issue a driver’s license to any CA resident who is eligible, regardless of immigration status. This means that an applicant who is undocumented can receive a driver’s license under AB 60.
To access a CA driver’s licenses under AB 60, an individual who is unable to provide proof of legal presence in the United States needs to provide proof of identity and proof of residing in CA. Visit the CA DMV AB 60 webpage to learn more.
- Fill out the DL – 44 license application
- Pay $33 for the application fee
- Prove your identity
- Prove that you live in CA
- Give a thumbprint, have your picture taken, and pass a vision test
- Pass a written test to prove that you know the rules of the road. Remember to bring proof of auto insurance!
Make an appointment with the DMV to apply for an AB 60 license by calling 1-800-777-0133 or make an appointment online at dmv.ca.gov/portal/appointments.
Note: AB 60 driver’s licenses have a visible distinguishing mark which only allows them to be used for driving and cannot be used for federal or other purposes such as boarding a plane. If you have concerns with applying for a driver’s license because of your immigration or criminal record, we suggest that you talk to an attorney before you apply.
You do not need to pay anyone for information or services to help you apply for the AB 60 licenses. If anyone is charging you for this, they are breaking the law. Source: Alliance San Diego
More Resources
San Diego Miramar College does NOT have formal partnerships with the following organizations; however, many of these institutions, non-profits, and companies do offer immigration-related services and other resources for free or reduced cost. We encourage you to explore all options available to you as every person's situation is different. NOTE: Always ask whether services are free or require payment before speaking with an immigration attorney. If you are ever asked to pay for services, be sure you are provided with a written document of services provided.
We strongly encourage you to speak with our legal aid partners at the Higher Education Legal Services before contacting these other organizations.
- Alliance for African Assistance - Provides low-cost immigration and naturalization services including adjustment of status, application for naturalization, asylum and refugees, consular processing, relative petitions, and replacement of lost/damages USCIS documents.
- Alliance San Diego - Non-profit providing one-on-one consultations and application assistance for citizenship, Green Card renewals, DACA, TPS, work authorization renewals, and FOIA requests.
- Casa Cornelia - Provides free (known as pro-bono) counsel and representation to eligible unaccompanied minors, asylum seekers, and immigrant victims of crimes such as domestic violence, forced employment, and/or forced or coerced sex work.
- Catholic Charities - Provides low-cost immigration services to eligible persons with an emphasis on family reunification, empowerment, and social integration.
- Consulado General de México en San Diego (Mexican Consulate, San Diego) - Government website.
- Legal Aid Society of San Diego - Naturalization & citizenship, removal defense, VAWA, U-Visa, T-Visa, Green Card renewal, waivers
- Immi - Online resource screening tool for legal information and referrals to nonprofit legal services organizations.
- Immigrants Rising - Immigration Legal Intake Service: an online survey to help undocumented young people learn about possible immigration options.
- International Rescue Committee - Opportunities for refugees, asylees, victims of human trafficking, survivors of torture, and other immigrants including resettlement, employment development, citizenship services, and more.
- Public Law Center - Assistance for low-income immigrants in filing for various forms of immigration relief with a focus on victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, victims of serious crimes, unaccompanied minors, and immigrants who wish to apply for citizenship.
- The State Bar 🚨Caution🚨 You may be asked to pay expensive legal fees if you contact independent legal counsel for a consultation or services. Always ask whether services are free or require payment before speaking with an immigration attorney. Legal Services Resources for Immigrants: San Diego County.
- Unitarian Universalist Refugee and Immigrant Services and Education (UURISE) - Provides low-cost and no-cost immigration legal services to help clients access the protections and benefits available under current immigration laws.
Note: San Diego Miramar College does not endorse the views or beliefs held by any outside organization, including those views and beliefs held by individuals who work for such organizations, either religious or secular in nature.
🚨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.