Where can undocumented young people find guides and support?

This page lists places to find help. It is not legal advice, and being listed is not a referral or a promise of service. Contact each group to confirm what it offers today.

Who makes guides for undocumented young people?

• Immigrants Rising (immigrantsrising.org). A nonprofit founded in 2006 that writes free guides for undocumented people on college, scholarships, careers, working for yourself, life outside the U.S., options beyond DACA, and mental health. Its scholarship list shows only awards that do not require proof of citizenship.
• United We Dream (unitedwedream.org). Says it is "built and powered by immigrant youth." Offers DACA updates, know your rights and deportation defense materials, a wellness section (UndocuHealth), and guides for educators.
• Do Not Lose Hope. Our own plain guides, checked against official sources. Start with the DACA hub, Paying for college and If immigration agents come.

Use these for information and ideas. For advice about your own immigration case, see a lawyer or DOJ accredited representative (below).

Where can I get help at school or college?

• In high school: your counselor can help with college and the California Dream Act. Every child has the right to go to public school, whatever their status. See Every child can go to public school.
• At a community college or Cal State campus: state law requires each campus to name a Dream Resource Liaison. This person helps undocumented students find financial aid, social services, free legal services, internships and academic programs. The University of California is asked to do the same. Many campuses also have a Dream Resource Center. Ask the financial aid or student services office for yours.
• Paying for college: you may qualify for in state tuition and state aid without DACA. See Paying for college in California, whatever your status and Scholarships.
• Deadlines coming up (checked October 21, 2026): University of California applications for fall 2027 are due November 30, 2026. Cal State priority filing for fall 2027 also ends November 30, 2026. For graduate school, the Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship accepts DACA recipients; its 2027 deadline is October 29, 2026, 2 p.m. Eastern.
• A lawsuit to know about: a federal case (United States v. Newsom) challenges in state tuition and state aid for undocumented students in California. As of October 21, 2026 there is no ruling, and both are still in effect. Apply as usual.

Where can I get free legal help?

California pays nonprofits to give free immigration legal help. Find one on the state's map, or call (916) 651-8017. For San Mateo and Santa Clara county residents:

• Community Legal Services in East Palo Alto (for low income San Mateo and Santa Clara county residents): (650) 326-6440
• Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County (for San Mateo County residents): (650) 558-0915
• Immigration Institute of the Bay Area, Redwood City office: (650) 587-1558 to book a free first consultation (appointments only, no drop ins).
• San Mateo County Immigrant Services (for San Mateo County residents): (650) 363-4194, immigrantservices@smcgov.org
• For Santa Clara County residents: Office of Immigrant Relations partners

Many young people qualify for more than they think. A free screening can check for options like family petitions, Special Immigrant Juvenile status or visas for crime victims. Only a lawyer or a DOJ accredited representative may give immigration legal advice. Never pay a "notario." See Warning signs of an immigration scam.

Where can I find someone to talk to?

Carrying this can be heavy. Feeling stressed, angry or tired does not mean something is wrong with you.

• Free and low cost care without fear: see Mental health care without fear.
• Immigrants Rising keeps a guide to mental health resources for undocumented people.
• If you are in crisis: call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, any time. For Spanish, press 2 or text AYUDA to 988. If you are in danger right now, call 911.

DNLH is not a crisis line.

What about money, work and everyday needs?

• Work: your rights at work do not depend on your status. See Your rights at work. Without a work permit, some people work for themselves. See Earn money working for yourself.
• Everyday needs: where your county has 211, call it for food, rent and bill help. Not every county does. See 211: free help finding local services and Food help.
• ID and banking: see Driver's license without papers and Open a bank account with an ITIN.

What if I live in another state?

• Immigrants Rising and United We Dream serve people across the country.
• Search free and low cost legal help by ZIP code at ImmigrationLawHelp.org.
• Check any helper on the DOJ list of recognized organizations and accredited representatives.
• College rules for undocumented students differ by state. The California rules on this page do not apply elsewhere.
• 988 works in every state. Call or text 988.

Related questions

• Know your rights: a guide for undocumented young people
• Dream Centers and undocumented student programs at Bay Area colleges
• Yes, you can still go to college in California

You belong here, and you are not walking this road by yourself. Reach out to one of these today.