Undocumented Students

Internships   

• Apply to internships with any employer, especially with these immigrant-friendly employers.  Students without an EAD card may ask the employer if it’s possible to create a fellowship or provide a stipend or scholarship as the payment method. 
• Seek out scholarships or grants to offset the cost of an unpaid internship, such as the Scholarship for Unpaid Internships offered by Career Services.
• Explore the option of working as an independent contractor or freelancer doing project-based micro-internships using your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.    

Entrepreneurship   

All immigrants, regardless of status, can work as independent contractors or start their own business in the U.S. using a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).     

• Mason has academic programs, events, and resources to support students interested in going into business for themselves in order to earn a living.  More information at: https://startup.gmu.edu/.  
• Venturize is a resource for people wanting to establish their own business. 
• Life After College: A Guide for Undocumented Students offers advice on how to set up your own limited liability company, referred to as an LLC. See pages 34-35. 
• Freelancers Union represents independent workers across the country. They provide 500,000+ members a powerful support system and voice through policy advocacy, benefits, resources, and community.
• Democracy at Work Institute supports workers cooperatives reaching communities most directly affected by social and economic inequality.  

For those with DACA or TPS: You do not have to disclose your immigration status when applying for a job or internship. You only need to let employers know that you have work authorization. The choice of whether or when to share your status with a potential employer is a personal decision. It is important to be aware of your rights and responsibilities when making decisions about disclosure.    

Job Application       

When completing a job application, you may be asked about your work authorization, but you do not have to explain your legal or citizenship status. These are common questions and how to respond: 

• Are you legally authorized to work in the United States? DACA and TPS students with an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card will answer “yes.”  

• Will you now or in the future require sponsorship to work in the United States? Answer “no” as this question is for individuals on a student visa.   

Interview 

Again, you may be required to answer questions about your work authorization, not your legal or citizenship status. The employer may ask you:  

• Are you authorized to work in the United States? Answer “yes” if you have an EAD card, but you are not required to explain your legal or citizenship status.   

On-Boarding   

• Once you are hired, you will provide your EAD card to your employer as they must complete a Federal Form I-9 which establishes identity and your authorization to work.    

Resources 

• Your Employment Rights with DACA and TPS
• Worker’s Immigrant and Employee Rights
• This Is What Job Hunting While Undocumented Can Be Like | HuffPost Life

These resources do not require proof of citizenship or legal permanent residency and can be used to fund undergraduate and graduate programs of study. Pay close attention to the requirements and application deadlines. 

Mason Scholarships

• Stay Mason Student Support Fund is an emergency fund available to Mason students who experience unexpected financial challenges, emergencies, or sudden financial hardships and meet the eligibility criteria
• Mason’s Financial Aid office provides several financial resources, including internal and external scholarships for undocumented students
• Scholarship for Unpaid Internships

External Scholarships

• TheDream.US is the nation’s largest college access and success program for DREAMers. Scholarships are available.   
• Immigrants Rising provides an extensive list of scholarships and fellowships available to both undergraduate and graduate students who are undocumented   
• Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund provides a resource guide for scholarships, including scholarships for law school  
• Pre-Health Dreamers (phdreamers.org)    
• The Latino Medical Student Association 

Other Resources

• The Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) can waive the fee for the LSAT if you are on DACA or have applied for DACA   
• Dream Project provides resources and support for immigrant students in Virginia 

Networking means being proactive in connecting and building relationships with people. When you network with people who share your values, you may discover new opportunities in addition to building your community.

• Get involved with UndocuMason, an on-campus organization offering support to undocumented students at Mason
• Mason’s FirstGen+ Center offers community-building programs, services, and support for TPS, DACA, and undocumented Mason students
• UndocuBlack Network is a supportive community for undocumented Black immigrants
• United We Dream covers current events affecting undocumented immigrants
• NAKASEC is a membership organization for Asian immigrants offering resources and scholarships
• My Undocumented Life provides information and resources to help to create a sense of community for undocumented students
• Entrepreneurs@Immigrants Rising (FB Group) is a community of immigrant entrepreneurs who share resources and network to help each other build their businesses