We appreciate our students and the diverse backgrounds and needs they bring to our university. We encourage you to read more about how this support applies to undocumented and DACA students in this message from President Vincent Price on Duke Today.
To help you navigate this site, we've defined a few terms used below.
Undocumented: not having the appropriate legal documentation to establish permanent residency in the U.S.
DACAmented:having been granted prosecutorial discretion from removal proceedings or removal from the United States for a specified period of time under the Deferring Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) policy.
Mixed-status family: a family with at least one undocumented immigrant and at least one U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
All information and instructions for undocumented or DACA student admission can be found here.
For admissions to graduate and professional schools, contact the program directly.
Beginning with the class entering in the fall of 2017, Duke will meet 100% of the demonstrated financial need for undocumented undergraduate students (both DACA and undocumented) admitted to the University. "Financial aid packages will include institutional need-based scholarship funds and cover the fees for DACA renewal applications." DACA students will also be eligible for Duke work study funding for on campus employment.
If you are an undocumented or DACA student, click here to find out how to apply for financial aid.
If a student’s DACA or undocumented status changes while enrolled at Duke, components of the student’s award may also change.
Scholarships for Undocumented Students
The Office of Undergraduate Scholars and Fellows has created a list of nationally competitive opportunities for Undocumented Students. The list can be found by following this link.
Kevin D'Arco, Ed.D coordinates legal assistance for Duke’s DACA and undocumented students. He can make referrals to resolve immediate and longer term issues. These referrals are confidential and students’ information will not be shared without their permission. For more information, contact Kevin D'Arco, Ed.D kevin.darco@duke.edu.
DACA Renewal Application Assistance
Duke Law School's Immigrant Rights Clinic will assist Duke students and employees with their DACA renewal applications. Please contact Kate Evans, Clinical Professor of Law and Director, Immigrant Rights Clinic at evans@law.duke.edu.
Student Health:
Duke Student Health is committed to a welcoming and supportive environment for all of our students. We recognize the unique barriers and challenges that undocumented students face can negatively impact their overall health and well-being, and we are dedicated to supporting them. All visits at Student Health are confidential as are your medical records. You can learn more about our privacy policies here. If you have any questions about services at Student Health, we are happy to answer them.
Mental Health Resources:
Mental health support for undocumented students at Duke is part of Counseling And Psychological Services' commitment to serve all students and to celebrate the wealth of diversity represented by social identities that include but are not limited to race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual identity, religion, socioeconomic status, national origin, and ability status. We are focused on serving students from a social justice lens in which we offer culturally-sensitive clinical services, campus community engagement programming, and training opportunities.
We understand that as part of undocumented students’ complex intersectionality, they may be exposed to discrimination and oppression that may negatively impact their mental health, academic success, and sense of belongingness on campus. Fears about deportation and the statuses of family members and loved ones, as well as financial concerns and employment uncertainty create unique challenges. In the aftermath of hate-and-bias incidents, your day-to-day stress reactions may be exacerbated by critical incident stress. Here are some signs of critical incident stress and suggestions on ways to cope.
CAPS provides a confidential space for undocumented students to be seen by mental health providers who will support their courage, validate their lived experiences, and engage them in their resilience. To get started, please drop by CAPS on the third floor of the Students Wellness Center between the hours of 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday - Friday and ask to speak with a counselor. No appointment needed!
You will meet with a counselor on a first-come, first-served basis. The earlier in the day you come in the better. Please plan for an hour visit.
Here is what you can expect during an Access Consultation:
In case of an emergency in which your or another's immediate safety is at risk, please call Duke Police at 919-684-2444. If calling off campus, dial 9-1-1.
If you have an urgent concern about yourself or another student between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm Monday - Friday, please use the Access Consultation services listed above. After 5:00 pm, call the Dean on Call at 919-970-4169.
For concerns related to sexual assault, visit the Gender Violence Prevention & Intervention website.
For additional resources in the case of a crisis or urgent situation, please also refer to the resources listed on the DukeReach web site.
See more Emergency Assistance Resources from CAPS.
Define American is a student-led club which advocates for justice for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in the United States of America.
Spring 2022 - UndocuAlly Training for Faculty & Staff
April 4 and 7 from 12:00 - 1:30 p.m.
Please click the date you can attend and register to join:
Considerations for supporting undocumented students:
This is a recording of a Zoom webinar held on Monday, June 22, 2020. The participants discuss the implications of the Supreme Court decision on DACA and what can Duke do to continue our support for undocumented students.
Featuring:
Moderated by Dr. Li-Chen Chin, Assistant Vice President for Intercultural Programs, Student Affairs
To help you navigate this site, we've defined a few terms used below.
Undocumented: not having the appropriate legal documentation to establish permanent residency in the U.S.
DACAmented: having been granted prosecutorial discretion from removal proceedings or removal from the United States for a specified period of time under the Deferring Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) policy.
Mixed-status family: a family with at least one undocumented immigrant and at least one U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Duke students, if you have concerns that are not addressed on this site, or just want to talk to someone in more detail, please reach out to:
Kevin D'Arco, Ed.D. (he/him/his)
Duke University | Duke International Student Center
Senior Associate Dean of International Students
(o) 919-681-3922
kevin.darco@duke.edu
Duke has joined 17 other leading higher education institutions in an amicus brief supporting Princeton University and other defendants challenging the Trump Administration’s rescission of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (“DACA”) program.
Duke is one of 19 leading research universities who have signed on to an amici brief supporting plaintiffs challenging President Trump’s new rules covering the young people participating in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) program.
In light of the decision to end DACA, Duke University restates its firm commitment to protecting the right of all students to learn and discover here, regardless of their background or immigration status. These talented young men and women clearly deserve the opportunity to be members of the Duke community, which is enriched and strengthened by their contributions.
Duke University President Vincent E. Price sent a letter to President Donald Trump today regarding proposed changes in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.