A Space for University & Community Resources

Who is categorized as Undocumented?

The Immigrants Rising's Defining Undocumented page describes the term "undocumented" as "all immigrants who reside in the United States without legal status." This means that people who (1) entered the country without inspection, (2) entered the country with legal status but overstayed, (3) have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), (4) are currently in the process of legalizing, or (5) are vulnerable immigrants are included within the definition of "undocumented." Immigrants Rising describe each group as follows:

Entered Without Inspection (EWI)

They are people who "entered the United States without presenting themselves for inspection at an official checkpoint to obtain permission to enter the country." An example that they provide as someone who could be categorized as an EWI would be crossing the border without inspection.

Entered with Legal Status but Overstayed

They are people who "entered the United States with legal status (e.g. student visa) and then remained in the country after their 'duration of status' date (found on their I-94) or after their visa expired." 

Have or Previously Had Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

They are people who "have been granted temporary reprieve from deportation through the federal government's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Additionally, individuals who had DACA in the past, or will be eligible to request DACA later if the program is fully reinstated." 

Are Currently in the Process of Legalization

They are people who "are pursuing legalization... but currently have no legal status." Some examples that they provide are people with a U.S. Citizen Spouse Petition, Asylum petition, or U-visa pending. 

Vulnerable Immigrants

They are people whose "immigration status is in 'limbo' or puts them 'at-risk' for being targeted by immigration enforcement. This could occur due to many factors, such as politics (e.g. TPS program is at risk due to policy shifts), to U-visa recipients who cannot adjust their status due to personal circumstances (e.g. lack of funds, missing a deadline)."

Resource Categories

To help you find the support you need as efficiently as possible, we have divided our resources into two main categories. we suggest you first explore the Campus Resources to take full advantage of the support and opportunities available to you directly from UW Bothell. The university provides a lot of resources that are often underused. After that, you can turn to the Outside Resources to find additional community organizations, legal aid, basic needs, and other valuable external support. 

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