The McCafferty Career Center is dedicated to helping all students regardless of their immigration status. We understand that undocumented students face unique challenges, below are some resources to support you both throughout your time at Emmanuel and post-graduate. Please meet with your Career Advisor for any questions you may have as you navigate your career in the U.S.
- American Immigration Council: Information on the Individual Tax Identification Number
- Citizen Path: Employment rights with DACA
- Centro Hispano of Dane County
- Latino Chamber of Commerce (Dane County)
- Latino Academy of Workforce Development
- Pre-Health Dreamers
- Student Caffe: Information on opportunities that DACA/undocumented students can and cannot apply for.
- Form I-9 Acceptable Documents Employees must provide documentation to their employers to show their identity and authorization to work.
- Independent Taxpayer Identification Number
- The Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA): Largest organization in New England promoting the rights and integration of immigrants and refugees.
- United We Dream: Nonpartisan network is made up of over 100,000 immigrant youth and allies and 55 affiliate organizations in 26 states.
- Immigrants Rising – Scholarships that don’t require proof of citizenship or legal permanent residency.
- Department of Education – Scholarships for Undocumented Students – Scholarships are listed on p. 42 of this document
- Educators for Free Consideration (E4FC) Scholarship Information – transforms lives and fuels broader changes. With resources and support, undocumented young people are able to get an education, pursue careers, and build a brighter future for themselves and our country.
As a recipient of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), you will be provided a work permit also known as ab Employment Authorization card which can provide you with many employment opportunities.
- Employers cannot ask DACA recipients for different work authorization documents
- An employer cannot reject work authorization documents because of your citizenship status or national origin
Center for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: 617-975-9104 | cdi@emmanuel.edu
What is Form I-9 and why does my employer use it? The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA) requires employers to verify that all newly hired employees present “facially valid” documentation verifying the employee’s identity and right to work in the United States. In other words, federal law requires your employer to have each newly hired employee (hired after November 6, 1986) complete an I-9 form. The employer must show the completed forms to enforcement officials from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security if asked for them.
What documents do I need to satisfy the I-9 requirements? You are required to show documentation that proves your identity and authorization to work. “List A” documents establish both identity and employment authorization. A work permit is a photo ID that proves you are authorized to work. Therefore, you only need your work permit to satisfy the I-9 requirements. Visit the USCIS website for all I-9 acceptable documents.
Should I tell my employer that I have a new work permit? If you currently have a job, you do not need to offer your new employment authorization card (work permit) or any other information. However, if you are starting a new job or your previous card is expiring, you are obligated to show your employer that you have the right to work.
Can an employer reject me because my work authorization expires in the future? No, this is a form of employment discrimination.
Do I need a driver’s license and/or Social Security number to work? No. Your work permit is sufficient identification to prove your identity and employment authorization in the U.S. However, obtaining a Social Security number and state driver’s license (or state ID) can be helpful as additional identification, for obtaining a loan and other benefits.
What is E-Verify and how does it affect me? Some employers will use E-Verify at the time of hire to confirm that their workers have permission to work. The internet-based system uses I-9 information to make this determination. An employer’s use of E-Verify could be considered discriminatory if it is only used to check some (but not all) employees. Learn more about E-Verify >>
When applying, interviewing and starting a new job, do I need to tell the employer about DACA or how I received my work permit? No. The only thing the employer needs to know is that you have an employment authorization card (work permit). The employer does not need to know how or why you received one. The work permit gives you the right to work.
What can I do if I believe that I’m being discriminated against in the work place? There is help available to you. Contact the Justice Department’s Office of Special Counsel (OSC) for Immigration-Related Unfair Employment Practices. OSC can answer your questions and even call the employer when appropriate. Call 1-800-255-7688 or visit the Justice Department website.
My (Un) Documented Life – Community for undocumented immigrants, including scholarship opportunities, strategies for navigating the educational system and information on how to apply for DACA.
- Immigrants Rising
- Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) – Info on requesting consideration of deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA).
- Educators for Fair Consideration (E4FC) – Empowers undocumented young people to achieve educational and career goals through personal, institutional and policy transformation.
- TheDream.US – working to help over 4,000 highly motivated DREAMers graduate from college with career-ready degrees.
- FAQ Guide – learn more about applying, choosing schools, financing an education, scholarships, internships, residency programs and more.
- Educators for Free Consideration (E4FC) Life After College Guide – personal narratives, student testimonials and advice from experts. \
- Health, Education and Independence
Legal Resources
- Boston Immigration Attorney Giselle Rodriguez – Employer partners & local law firm
- Immigrant Legal Resource Center – Provides legal trainings, educational materials and advocacy to advance immigrant rights
- National Immigration Law Center: Leading organizations in the U.S. exclusively dedicated to defending and advancing the rights of immigrants with low income.
- Immi – helps immigrants in the U.S. understand their legal options.
- Immigrant Legal Resource Center (Red Cards) – help people assert their rights and defend themselves in many situations, such as when ICE agents go to a home
