Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
On June 15, 2012, President Barack Obama announced the Deferred Action Program which would protect undocumented students from deportation and would provide students with work authorization for a two-year period.
Update
On Monday, October 31, 2022, the Department of Homeland Security’s final rule to preserve and fortify Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) went into effect. The final rule’s implementation means that DACA is now based on a formal regulation, thereby preserving and fortifying the program while the program remains the subject of litigation in court. Read more about the decision and what it means on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services site.
Update
On June 18, 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court sided with DACA recipients ruling that the way in which the Trump administration rescinded the DACA program in 2017 was unlawful. Read more about the decision and what it means on the Immigrant Legal Resource Center site.
VCU Supports Dreamers
The Division of Student Affairs unequivocally supports students covered by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. We recognize these students as integral contributing members of our university community. We will continue to advocate for DACA students and their access to higher education while providing resources to support success.
We remain certain of VCU’s unequivocal support of our DACA students. DACA students are an integral part of our community, and VCU will continue to assist DACA students as they complete their educations and move on to contribute to our society. Read VCU's full statement.
Resources at VCU
Victor Humberto Narro Scholarship
The Victor Humberto Narro Scholarship will provide scholarship support to the College of Humanities and Sciences students with majors in the Department of Political Science and/or the Department of History and are in good academic standing. To qualify, applicants must be a part of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (or future name of such program), and/or who are interested in migration studies, and/or who are involved in work or volunteerism at an organization with a mission to serve immigrant communities. Preference shall be for applicants who are rising sophomores.
Dean of Students Office
The Dean of Students office serves as an advocate for all VCU students. Our staff is available to meet individually or with groups of students who need support in their educational endeavors at VCU. If you would like to meet with someone, please contact 804-828-8940 or email vcudean@vcu.edu.
The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs
The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (OMSA) celebrates diversity, promotes inclusion and advocates for social justice. While serving as a resource for the entire VCU community, we provide specific programs and initiatives to support historically underrepresented groups. Connect with us via email at omsa@vcu.edu or call (804) 828-6672.
University Counseling Services
University Counseling Services is a confidential and safe space for students to explore their concerns. Social Justice issues are important to us as we work to support all our students. We have staff with varied backgrounds and language proficiencies to support students. If you would like to speak to a counselor please contact our office at 804-828-6200.
Health Promotion and Well-Being Center
VCU Career Services
Admissions, records and registration
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their educational records.
All students applying to the university who wish to be considered for in-state tuition rates must complete and submit the Application for in-state tuition form at the time of application. Please visit the appropriate website below for information pertaining to you.
Become an ally
- Learn how to best support DACA students at VCU by reviewing the UndocuAlly Training from thedream.us.
- Learn about the DACA Program phase-out plan and how it impacts college students.
- Find your local legislator to contact them.
VCU Student Leadership
UnDocuRams
Creating a more inclusive environment for all undocumented students at Virginia Commonwealth University through education and advocacy.
Latinx Graduate Student Association
Providing a collaborative environment for Latinx graduate students to be supported and feel comfortable speaking out, further understand, and learn about Latinx community in and around Richmond.
Resources in the Community
Internships and Fellowships for DACA and Undocumented Students
This guide explores resources for funding, mentorship, and experiential learning that DACA and undocumented students can take advantage of to enhance their college experience and launch their career.
Graduates Reaching a Dream Deferred (GRADD)
To address the needs of immigrant students interested in pursuing graduate education.
VA DREAM Project
The Dream Project empowers students whose immigration status creates barriers to higher education. We start our program in high school and continue through college graduation into professional life. Students are supported through a strong network of mentoring, scholarships, and family engagement. Our start-up nonprofit has created an intentionally inclusive community where students are encouraged to use education as a vehicle to pursue their dreams and achieve their fullest potential.
United We Dream
With our members, we will fight for policies that help people without hurting people and ensure that we have champions in all levels of government.
Queer Undocumented Immigrant Project (QUIP)
The Queer Undocumented Immigrant Project (QUIP) seeks to organize and empower LGBTQ-identified undocumented people, LGBTQ immigrant youth and allies.
Students' Guide to DACA Phaseout
This guide answers the pressing questions DREAMers and other DACA-recipients likely have moving forward.
Virginia Alternative State Aid (VASA)
Contact your VCU Financial Counselor for more information.