The following are the different terms that you may encounter when reading documents that were created in other states. While the specific information may vary slightly (some states allow undocumented students to access state financial aid, while others do not), the general information applies.
Autonym:
How a group self-identifies, the name they give themselves.
In the media you may see many terms that are disparaging, dehumanizing and in some cases inaccurate.
Below is a list of terms that are generally acceptable in the community.
Accepted / commonly used terms
DREAMer
Undocumented Student
Undocumented American
Academic terms. Not offensive, but not in common use
The 1.5 Generation
Terms used by service providers
Student without Documentation
Well intended but inaccurate terms
Immigrant Student: Not all students see themselves as immigrants - some only remember living in the US and identify that way culturally
Migrant Student: Not all dreamers are migrant students. Some live very urban lives.
Acronyms for Programs
DACA: Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. An executive order issued by President Barack Obama which allow students to apply for a deferment and a work authorization.
DREAM: Development, Relief and Education for Childhood Arrivals. A proposed law which would provide certain undocumented Americans with a path to citizenship.
HOPE: Realizing Educational Access; changing Lives - a Washington state law passed which allows undocumented students who meet certain criteria to apply for need based state financial aid.
Other terms
Mixed status families: This means that some family members have US citizenship or are legal permanent residents while others lack documentation.
DACAmented: Term used to describe dreamers who have applied for and been approved for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program.