Undocuqueer/Undocutrans
UndocuQueer & UndocuTrans Resources
ON-CAMPUS RESOURCES

Dream Scholar/ Undocumented Student Services
At UC Santa Barbara, Undocumented Student Services (USS) is committed to fostering a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment for prospective and current undocumented students, students with mixed-immigration status families, and students from refugee backgrounds. Our office is located in the EOP Suite, on the second floor of the Student Resource Building (SRB).
Monarch Lounge
The Monarch Lounge, located next to CAPS and Career Services, is the undocumented student resource center on campus. The space is open to students and organizations for study purposes, events, meetings, etc. To book a space, contact us at ucsbundocstudentservices@sa.ucsb.edu.
Monarch Opportunity Scholarship
The Monarch Opportunity Scholarship (MOS) is a program created by the Undocumented Student Services of UCSB to provide undocumented students professional development opportunities through paid internships regardless of their legal status. Students who participate in MOS students gain relevant and professional experiences that will help them develop and improve their social, academic, and professional skills.
ON-CAMPUS STUDENT ORGS

IDEAS (Improving Dreams Equality Accessibility Success)
IDEAS (Improving Dreams Equality Access And Success) is a community organization at UCSB dedicated to fight for immigrant rights through an intersectional framework. IDEAS is committed to serving undocumented students through financial, academic, social, emotional support, and to social justice work to empower and heal our communities. While IDEAS is currently not active, we are looking for students interested in restarting this organization. Click this link to access our QT student organization form.

UndocuQueer / UndocuTrans
UndocuQueer & UndocuTrans Collective (UndocuQT) is a support group for anyone who identifies within the intersections of being undocumented and LGBTQ+ here at UCSB and in the greater community. UndocuQT provides support, resources, and advocacy on campus that meets the needs of undocumented, queer and trans people of color. While UndocuQueer/UndocuTrans is currently not active, we are looking for students interested in restarting this organization. Click this link to access our QT student organization form. (Instagram: undocuqt_ucsb)
CULTIVATING RESILIENCE SUPPORT GROUP
Cultivating Resilience Support Group is an Empowerment Circle for undocumented students coordinated by CAPS and USS. Check out CAPS's webpage filled with resources for students and family members. For more information, contact rosasalamanca@ucsb.edu
ON-CAMPUS FINANCIAL RESOURCES
UNDERGRAD AND GRAD SCHOLARSHIPS WITH NO PROOF OF STATUS REQUIREMENT
Scholarships are essential for many undocumented students to afford higher education. There are more than 200 scholarships available for all students, regardless of immigration status, which have been compiled in a list you can access through this link. RCSGD LGBTQ Scholarships!
OFFICE OF FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS
The California Dream Act became law through the passage of two assembly bills, AB 130 and AB 131. As a result, certain non-resident students, including those who are undocumented, are eligible for institutional grants and scholarships awarded by California public colleges and universities. For more information on AB 540 eligibility, AB 130, and AB 131, please visit or call the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at (805) 893-2432 to speak with an advisor. For funding resources from outside agencies that determine eligibility without regard to citizenship status, please visit https://www.finaid.ucsb.edu/scholarshipsand click on “Undocumented Students.”
ON-CAMPUS LEGAL RESOURCES
UC IMMIGRANT LEGAL SERVICES
The University of California Immigrant Legal Services Center serves the immigration-related legal needs of undocumented and immigrant students in the UC system.
Operating out of UC Davis School of Law, the groundbreaking program reaches out to students across various UC campuses–including UC Santa Barbara–to provide, free of charge, legal assistance. Students and their extended families can have access to an immigration lawyer free of charge! Book an appointment here.
At the University of California, through a partnership with UC Immigrant Legal Services Center, we provide free immigration legal services to UC students and their immediate family members. Through this partnership, an attorney dedicated to immigration issues is available. Attorney Anna Manuela is able to meet with UCSB students and their immediate family members with matters such as:
Legal support for informational and know-your-rights sessions at UC Santa Barbara
DACA renewals
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status
U-visas
Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
Other immigration relief
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Anna C. Manuel | Staff Attorney and Strategic Initiatives Coordinator
University of California Immigrant Legal Services Center
Book an Appointment: tinyurl.com/y253hf29
Email: anna.ucimm@law.ucdavis.edu
Website: https://law.ucdavis.edu/ucimm/EMERGENCY 24/7 IMMIGRATION LEGAL SERVICES
UCSB’s 24/7 assistance for emergency cases can aid students or immediate family members who are detained or at risk of deportation. Contact USS Director at (805) 893-5609 for a referral.
UCSB SOCIAL WORKER SUPPORT
AB 540-eligible students can speak with a social worker for support and problem-solving assistance. UCSB social workers can help in identifying your needs and work with you on a plan of action. They may be available to students who have withdrawn from UCSB and can assist with the transition to community resources. To schedule an appointment, call (805) 893-3087.
UC IMMIGRATION RELIEF CENTER
The UC Immigration Relief Center offers a full service immigration center providing immigration services and legal advice.
IMMIGRATION LEGAL RESOURCE CENTER
The Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) is a national nonprofit resource center that provides immigration legal training, technical assistance, and educational materials, and engages in advocacy and immigrant civic engagement to advance immigrant rights.
UC WE HAVE RIGHTS
We Have Rights is an empowerment campaign aimed to prepare and safely defend our rights during encounters with Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE).
IMPORTA
Immigration legal services are available through IMPORTAin Santa Barbara. Their immigration services are generally free of charge, they help immigrants connect with other legal resources, and provide referrals if needed.
ON-CAMPUS FOOD SECURITY RESOURCES
UCSB FOOD FOR ALL: BASIC NEEDS RESOURCES FOR UNDOCUMENTED STUDENT GUIDE
This resource guide was created to simplify the student-living experience and give students a source to refer to when stocking pantries, buying kitchenware, or going grocery shopping! Demographic-specific student resource guides were also created with the hope of creating a better transition experience for undergraduate, transfer, graduate, and undocumented students here at UCSB.
GROCERY VOUCHERS
The grocery vouchers are a quarterly short-term resource for students who demonstrate financial need and are not eligible for CalFresh, which include undocumented students. For more information contact ucsbundocstudentservices@sa.ucsb.edu.
OFF-CAMPUS FOOD SECURITY RESOURCES
ST. MICHAEL’S CAFE PICASSO & COMMUNITY GARDEN
St. Michael’s University Church provides free brunch to all UCSB students every Sunday (at 12:30PM) and supports undocumented students by providing food and offering two paid positions regardless of legal status. Cafe Picasso’s food pantry is open for students who would like to take food home and St. Michael’s University Church community garden provides a space for folks in the community who want to garden and grow veggies and fruits. Every year, they seek two paid student interns to keep this project going. A work permit is not required.
TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH: IMMIGRATION ADVOCACY COLLABORATIVE
The Immigration Advocacy Collaborative (IAC) meets at Trinity Church on Wednesdays at 5:30PM to address issues happening in the undocumented community through advocacy and support. For more information contact: letsplayforgod@gmail.com
OTHER RESOURCES
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW IF DACA ENDS?
What Do I Need to Know if DACA Ends By Immigrant Legal Resource Center (Available in English, Spanish, & Chinese) is a resource for students that provides information on the current situation concerning DACA.
MY (UN)DOCUMENTED LIFE BLOG
My (Un)Documented Life blog provides up-to-date information and resources for undocumented immigrants by posting available scholarships, immigration news, upcoming immigration-related events and more.
IMMIGRANTS RISING UP
Immigrants Rising Up is a resource for immigrants that provides a list of available scholarships to support undocumented folks in creating their own opportunities, earn a living, and thrive through entrepreneurship.
TRANS LATINA COALITION
The TransLatin@ Coalition is an organization formed by Trans Latin@ leaders in 2009 to organize and advocate for the needs of Trans Latin@ immigrants who reside in the US.
UNDOCUMENTED TALES
Web series about the secret life of a Mexican server living in Los Angeles. Fernando has two secrets, he is an undocumented immigrant and is a closeted gay. He is constantly lying about his legal status and real identity.
UNITED WE DREAM
United We Dream is the nation’s largest immigrant youth network that provides resources, advocates for, and supports undocumented folks. They provide updates on immigration policies and help mobilize folks who wish to get involved in politics.