SWC Dreamer Center

Undocumented Student Services

Applying to Southwestern? Seeking aid? Already enrolled and looking for help? We can help!

If you are an undocumented student seeking help for you and your family, you’re in the right place! We can serve as a central point of contact for what you are looking for — whether that’s inside or outside the classroom. We will walk alongside you to help get you what you need.

To get the latest updates, connect with us on social media:

Instagram: @swcdreamercenter
Facebook: @swcdreamercenter

Signing up for college and getting the help you need can be overwhelming. Don’t let it be. Reach out to us today!

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

In case of an immigration related emergency please contact our partners at the San Diego Rapid Response Network by calling (619) 535-0823.

Steps to enroll!
1. Apply to SWC
2. See if you qualify for AB540 for California non-resident tuition exemption. Submit your form.
3. Apply for Financial Aid
There are three main forms of fiancial aid for undocumented students.

1. CA Dream Act

2. CA Promise Grant

3. Scholarships
The Higher Education Legal Services program (HELS) is a FREE immigration legal assistance program for all students, staff, and faculty at Southwestern College. Schedule an appoitment to get help.

If you have been meaning to talk to an immigration professional, now’s a great time. The Higher Education Legal Services program (HELS) is a FREE immigration legal assistance program for all students, staff, and faculty at Southwestern College.

If your DACA needs renewing, you want to apply for citizenship, or have any kind of immigration question, HELS experienced lawyers and accredited representatives can assess your individual situation through an intake and follow up. Get the information you need about your rights, risks and possible relief.

Schedule your appointment today, call (858) 637-3345, or email helsimmigration@jfssd.org. Virtual appointments are available.

Search for a private immigration lawyer on the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) website.
- SWC Cares Grant: Provides assistance to students at risk of dropping out of college due to unexpected financial emergencies. Provides up to $350
- JagKitchen: Food assistance to all SWC students.
- AB540: Payment exemption for certain nonresident students.
- College Mental Health/ Counseling
- EOPS: Assists students with counseling, money for books, emergency loans, priority registration, unlimited tutoring, and specialized support workshops.
- Cal Grant: State-funded, need-based, cash grants given to California college students to help pay for college expenses.
You have rights regardless of your or your families immigration status.

We encourage you Know Your Rigths and develop a family preparedness plan.

Stay informed! Follow @immigrantsrising, Immigrant Legal Resource Center, and United We Dream.
- EDD: Unemployment (DACAmented Individuals)
- Employee Rights Center: Get help submitting your unemployment. (You have rights regardless of immigration status)
- Jewish Family Service of San Diego
- What do I need to know about the end of DACA? (PDF)
- What do I need to know if the DACA programs ends? (PDF)
- Immigrant Legal Resource Center
- SWC Undocumented Students FAQs (PDF)
The Southwestern College Governing Board has had a long history of supporting immigrant
students and vulnerable communities. The following laws and policies protect all students regardless of immigration status.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

SWC Policy on Student Records: Student Records, Directory Information & Privacy

SWC: Prohibition of Harassment & Discrimination

SWC: Governing Board Statement Regarding Potential Immigration & Customs Enforcement Raids

CA Student Aid Comission

CA Community College's Chalcelor's Office

CA District Attorney's Office: Promoting a Safe & Secure Campus For All
You matter and your experiences at the College District matter. If you experience or witness harassment, discrimination and or retaliation, we want to know about it. To fulfill our commitment to provide an educational learning and work environment free of harassment, discrimination and retaliation the College District has designated the Title IX & Equal Employment Opportunity [EEO] Office as the entity to receive reports and to address issues of discrimination, harassment or retaliation.

Learn more about our policies or file a complaint.