School and college

This page is general information, not legal advice.

Can my child go to public school without papers?

Yes. This is your child's right, in every state. In 1982 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a state may not deny free public education to undocumented children (Plyler v. Doe). California schools may not ask for your immigration status or a Social Security number to enroll (Attorney General). Every California public school student from transitional kindergarten through 12th grade can get free breakfast and lunch (California Department of Education). See Every child can go to public school.

What if immigration agents come to a school?

We know this fear is real. Here is the law. California school staff may not let immigration agents into nonpublic areas, or share student and family information, without a judicial warrant, judicial subpoena or court order (Attorney General guidance). Officers need a parent's consent, a judge's warrant or a court order to interview your child at school. Schools must also have a plan to tell parents. Read Can ICE come into my child's school? and, for school staff, What should schools do if ICE comes?

What can I do this week to protect my child at school?

Update your child's emergency contacts with the school, so a trusted adult can pick them up if you cannot. Ask the school for its Know Your Educational Rights notice. Many families also fill out a Caregiver's Authorization Affidavit, which lets another adult enroll your child and consent to school related medical care. See What can parents do to protect their kids at school?

Can I go to college without papers?

Yes, and many students can pay the lower in state price at community colleges, Cal State and UC. The usual path: you went to school in California for 3 years and finished high school or its equal (UC summary of AB 540). You don't need DACA. Community college years count toward the 3 years. Check the full rules in Who qualifies for in state tuition.

How do I get money for college?

Fill out the free California Dream Act Application. It is for students who cannot use the FAFSA, and you don't need a Social Security number. The state says what you share is used only for state aid, not for immigration enforcement. Apply every year. For 2026 to 2027, the largest Cal Grant tuition award for a new full time student was $15,588 at UC and $6,838 at Cal State (Legislative Analyst's Office). See How much will college cost me? Start with How to apply for the CA Dream Act and Paying for college.

Where can I find scholarships?

There is more money out there than you might think. Many private scholarships do not ask about citizenship. Immigrants Rising keeps a free list of awards that do not require proof of citizenship. A real scholarship never charges you to apply. See Where to find scholarships.

Could the college rules change?

They could. The U.S. Department of Justice sued California in November 2025 over in state tuition and state aid for students without papers (United States v. Newsom). The court docket copy we could read (through April 1, 2026) shows no ruling, and the Presidents' Alliance case tracker (updated October 5, 2026) lists it as "Awaiting order." Neither shows a court order stopping the laws. Don't stop. Keep applying on time, and check Is in state tuition still in place? for the latest.

I live outside California. Does this help me?

The right to free public school from kindergarten through 12th grade applies in every state. College rules are different. In state tuition and state aid for undocumented students depend on your state's law, and some states offer neither. TheDream.US runs national scholarships for students in many other states. See Who is eligible for the National Scholarship?

Where can I get free help?

Contact them to confirm hours, languages and openings. Being listed here is not a referral or a promise of service.

• California Student Aid Commission: (888) 224-7268, studentsupport@csac.ca.gov, for the California Dream Act Application.
• Your college's Dreamer Resource Liaison. Every community college and Cal State campus must have one.
• Free immigration legal help for students: Where can college students get free immigration legal help?
• California Attorney General, Bureau of Children's Justice: (800) 952-5225, if a school asks about status or turns your child away.