University of Michigan Resources
Student Legal Services supports currently enrolled students here on the Ann Arbor campus with their legal issues. They cover a wide range of legal areas of interest, which includes landlord tenant disputes, divorce, family law, and criminal defense. Staffed by five attorneys, students can meet with the attorney knowledgeable about the student’s particular legal concern.
The U-M Office of the General Counsel maintains a list of resources to assist individuals in identifying an immigration specialist who can assist with immigration legal needs.
Please note that the immigration status of students who are undocumented or DACAmented is typically outside the expertise offered by the U-M International Center (IC). The IC is responsible for the university's compliance with U.S. immigration laws and regulations related to F and J visa categories, which includes federal reporting through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
Community and National Resources
- Students who wish to assess their eligibility for DACA or DACA-related benefits like advance parole travel authorization, or to apply for or renew DACA benefits, should consult an experienced immigration lawyer for legal advice or for legal assistance in applying for this benefit. Individuals who believe they are eligible should also be aware of immigration fraud or scams. Students should visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website for tips on filing forms, reporting scams and finding accredited legal services. Advice from the American Immigration Lawyers Association's (AILA) is also available.
- Michigan Immigrant Rights Center (MIRC) is a legal resource center for advocates seeking equal justice for Michigan's immigrants, provides direct representation to low-income immigrants in priority areas, and can provide referrals to other reputable organizations and private attorneys serving immigrants. Please see MIRC's website for more information about its projects, services and resource library. For more information about how MIRC can assist you or provide you with the appropriate referral please call the Intake Line (734) 239-6863 Tuesdays and Thursdays 9am-5pm, or e-mail [email protected]. All MIRC's services are free and confidential.
- United We Dream is the largest immigrant youth-led organization in the nation and seeks to address the inequities and obstacles faced by immigrant youth. They believe that by empowering immigrant youth, they can advance the cause of the entire community—justice for all immigrants. United We Dream also runs programs to advocate for access to higher education: stop the deportations of undocumented youth and their parents; and strengthen alliances and support for DREAMers at the intersection of queer and immigrant rights.
- MyDocumentedLife.org is dedicated to providing up-to-date information and resources for undocumented immigrants. Here, you will find the latest on scholarship opportunities, immigration news, ways in navigating the educational system, and more.
- TheDream.US is a National Scholarship Fund for DREAMers, created to help immigrant youth who've received DACA achieve their American Dream through the completion of a college education.
- Educators for Fair Consideration (E4FC) is dedicated to empowering undocumented people to pursue their dreams of college, career, and citizenship in the United States. They provide direct support, leadership and career development, community outreach and education, creative expression and advocacy.
- U.S. Department of Education: Resource Guide Supporting Undocumented Youth: A Guide for Success in Secondary and Postsecondary Settings