UNDOCUMENTED AND IMMIGRANT STUDENTS

The MN Dream Act (also known as The Prosperity Act) was introduced by Senator Sandra Pappas (SF723) and Representative Carlos Mariani (HF875) and was included in the omnibus Higher Education bill passed by the 2013 Minnesota Legislature and signed into law by Governor Dayton on May 23, 2013. 

The MN Dream Act will provide certain benefits to undocumented students who meet the following criteria: 

1. Attended a Minnesota high school for at least 3 years; and 
2. Graduated from a Minnesota high school or earned a GED in Minnesota; and 
3. Males ages 18-25 years old, whose only way of establishing MN resident student status is via the MN Dream Act, must register with the U.S. Selective Service; and 
4. Provide documentation to show they have applied for lawful immigration status but only if a federal process exists for a student to do so (does not include applying for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals). There is currently not a federal process in place, so this documentation is not currently required.
5. The MN Dream Act way of establishing residency does not require a student to have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or any other lawfully present or legal status.  The MN Dream Act way of establishing residency requires that a student, other than a “non-immigrant alien” attends a Minnesota high school for at least 3 years, graduates from a Minnesota high school or earns a GED in Minnesota and, if male and age 18-25, registers with the U.S. Selective Service.  “Non-immigrant aliens” are individuals and the members of their immediate family who are in the United States for purposes of studying (student VISA), temporary work (work VISA) and pleasure travel (visitor VISA). 

Students who meet the criteria in the MN Dream Act will be eligible for the following benefits: 

• In-state resident tuition rates at public colleges and universities. 
• State financial aid is available to students who meet state residency requirements. 
• Privately funded financial aid through public colleges and universities. 

• Normandale Foundation Scholarships
• Alliss Educational Foundation Scholarship
• Immigrants Rising List
• My Undocument Life
• MPower Financing
• Dream(er) Students United
• Scholarships for Latino Students
• Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund Scholarship List
• Migrant Scholarships
• The Dream US Scholarship
• Page Education Foundation Scholarships

Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota

Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (ILCM) is a nonprofit agency that provides immigration legal assistance to low-income immigrants and refugees in Minnesota.

General Know Your Rights Information from the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (ILCM)

Advocates for Human Rights - The mission of The Advocates for Human Rights is to implement international human rights standards to promote civil society and reinforce the rule of law. By involving volunteers in research, education, and advocacy, we build broad constituencies in the United States and select global communities. 

Unidos MN - Resources to help immigrant students regardless of immigration status who are pursuing higher education in Minnesota.

ICE Rapid Response Hotline - 612-441-2881

Monarca Legal Line - 651-372-8642

List of Latino Grocery Stores that can deliver free of charge to families

1. EVERYONE has the right to remain silent. You can lawfully refuse to speak with an I.C.E agent and not answer any questions—especially about your birthplace, immigration status, or how you entered the U.S.
2. EVERYONE has the right to speak to an attorney and to not sign anything before doing so. Remember to not show any foreign or false documents.
3. EVERYONE has the right to refuse a search of their person and belongings without a judicial warrant.
4. EVERYONE has the right to make a phone call if taken into custody.
5. EVERYONE has the right to record I.C.E. and police in public, as long as they don’t interfere with an arrest. Allies, such as U.S. citizens, can help by writing down names, badge numbers, and witness contacts.

For more information visit: Know Your Rights — Monarca 

• DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR if an immigration agent is knocking on the door.

• DO NOT ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS from an immigration agent if they try to talk to you. You have the right to remain silent.

• DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING without first speaking to a lawyer. You have the right to speak with a lawyer.

• IF YOU ARE OUTSIDE OF YOUR HOME, ask the agent if you are free to leave and if they say yes, leave calmly.

• SEE ICE? Call 612.441.2881 to talk to someone on our Rapid Response line.

• GOT QUESTIONS OR UNSURE? Call 651.372.8642 to connect with our Know Your Rights line.

For more information: Resources — Monarca