Resources and FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about DACA at IU

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a program created in 2012 (but has been rescinded) that makes use of discretion to defer removal action against a certain individual for two years. It also provided work authorization for the same time period.

Recipients in Indiana were granted protection from deportation, a social security number, and work authorization. Using these documents students were then able to obtain a drivers’ license or state ID.

Indiana University has long recognized the absolute necessity of a diverse and inclusive community to an excellent education. All IU students, regardless of their background or country of origin, are welcome in our community. Each and every one brings perspectives and experiences that, taken together, enrich the educational experience and prepare our students to thrive in the 21st century. Our student body expresses who we are as a community and reflects our foundational commitment to inclusion and diversity.

As a public institution bound by federal and state laws, Indiana University is able to, and will, take several steps to support all IU students, regardless of personal characteristics or background. To read the full statement visit: https://daca.iu.edu/about/index.html

Students will use the domestica application. If using the IU application, they will be able to self-identify as a student with DACA. If they apply through the common application they cannot self-identify.

IU application (for all campuses)

Generally, no. The very limited exception to this inquiry is if the faculty or staff member works in a capacity to assist DACA students or otherwise assist with immigration questions and the student asks for information or assistance.

If a student has DACA they can apply through the Registrar's office to see if they qualify for in-state tuition.

Yes. IU cannot stop Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from coming onto campus with a valid arrest warrant, search warrant, or subpoena for an undocumented student. If you are served with a subpoena or someone from ICE contacts your office, please contact or send them to the Office of the Vice President & General Counsel before releasing any information about a student.

Indiana University faculty and staff are not mandated reporters on the issue of immigration status. We do not voluntarily disclose the immigration status of any of our students. The Office of the Vice President & General Counsel would review the subpoena or warrant and determine its legal obligation under the law.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects the privacy of information contained in student education records. Information from those records may be shared outside of the university only with the written consent of the student or if an exception to FERPA’s consent requirement applies (e.g., directory information, health and safety emergency). The Registrar’s Office is available to help guide you through issues regarding student records privacy and to respond to requests for student records. Faculty and staff should not, and have no responsibility to, provide information to a federal or state official requesting immediate information on a phone call or during an in-person visit. Any oral or written request you receive should be referred to the Office of the Registrar.

DACA students are not eligible for federal financial aid. Due to Indiana law, DACA students are also not eligible for state financial aid.

There are a variety of schoalrships available for students regardless of their immigration status. For a list of scholarships and other resources, visit the financial resources page.

If a student has a valid work authorization (employment authorization document) they can be hired as an employee (hourly, temporary, etc.). DACA students at IU cannot be paid via scholarship or stipend. Graduate students with DACA qualify for a Student Academic Appointment provided thye have a valid work authorization.

Student with questions can contact Frank Martinez, Associate General Counsel in the Office of the Vice President and General Counsel, at frmarti@iu.edu or 317-274-7455.

For more information on hiring an attorney, students can visit: https://daca.iu.edu/hiring-attorney/index.html

IU has an excellent partnership with Ivy Tech Community College which enables students many opportunities to begin at an IU campus, Ivy Tech, or to take classes simultaneously between the two institutions. Students may begin their with their academic advisor to discuss the ways in which courses may be maximized at Ivy Tech.

Students can find their campus' primary contact by selecting the appropriate link below on this page.

The home page of this website, daca.iu.edu, is also regularly updated with current legal proceedings and links to further resources.

For financial aid, employment, and other resources visit the Financial Resources page. This includes opportunities open to all regardless of immigration status.