Undocumented Students

Welcome Undocumented Students!

Seattle University admits, enrolls, and welcomes students regardless of citizenship and immigration status. We recognize that undocumented students make important contributions to the intellectual and social life of the campus and the MOSAIC Center is committed to supporting our undocumented students.

Undocumented Student Resources & Initiatives:

  • Intercultural Link - Community space dedicated to creating a sense of community and belonging for undocumented students as well as BIPOC students. Located in Student Center 322. 
  • UndocuAlly Directory - List of staff and faculty at SU who have identified themselves as willing and able to support undocumented students throughout their college experience and beyond.
  • UndocuAlly Signage - Signage for staff and faculty to hang up in their office spaces and graphics to include in their email signatures to designate themselves and their spaces as safe for undocumented students. 
  • Mariposa Emergency Fund - Emergency financial resource available for undocumented students experiencing one-time, non-tuition related financial hardships.
  • Undocumented Student Support Working Group - The MOSAIC Center is leading a working group of various campus partners that intend on broadening undocumented student support across the institution. 
  • UndocuAlly Training

To learn more, contact Gabby Rios (grios@seattleu.edu)

Who is Undocumented?

"Undocumented” is broadly defined to include all immigrants who reside in the United States without legal status. This includes those who either:

  • entered the United States without inspection or with fraudulent documents; 
  • entered legally as a nonimmigrant but then violated the terms of their status and remained in the United States without authorization (as defined by the National Immigration Law Center);
  • have Deferred Action Childhood Arrival (“DACA”) status or has previously had DACA;
  • are otherwise currently in the process of legalizing; or
  • have an immigration status that is in ‘limbo’ or puts them ‘at-risk’ for being targeted by immigration enforcement. 

Most college-bound undocumented students:

  • have lived in the United States most of their lives
  • have been brought to the United States by their parents at a young age
  • have learned English - have attended elementary, middle, and high school in the United States
  • have excelled academically in high school and want to pursue a college education
  • currently lack a way to become legal residents or citizens in the United States.

Definition from Immigrants Rising