IMMIGRATION RESOURCES
This guide focuses on making a college education a reality for undocumented students by detailing scholarship opportunities, advocacy groups and enrollment tips.
This guide focuses on the recent decision by the Trump administration to roll back the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. It includes frequently asked questions about the change, describes the rights undocumented students have if questioned by ICE, and includes a directory where students can find resources with additional up-to-date information as policies evolve.
The U nonimmigrant status (U visa) is set aside for victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and are helpful to law enforcement or government officials in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity.
Charles W. Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center
The Gilchrist Center is the main gateway to success for thousands of immigrants who come to Montgomery County with limited financial resources. They provide a very comprehensive list of services throughout Montgomery County such as citizenship preparation, DACA assistance, pro bono legal help, English classes, computer and devices classes, job search workshops, assistance with utility bills, rent, food, and medical referrals (healthcare & insurance), taxes and foreclosure prevention.
Main Website (easy to navigate)
Annual Report (who and how they help)
Quick Start Guide for Immigrants in Montgomery County
This guide gives you all of the information you need to know about accessing all of the resources available within Montgomery County. The resources they connect you to include English classes, legal services, housing, citizenship, health and human services resources, financial literary, children and youth services, healthcare, crisis services, food assistance, taxes, seniors and people with disabilities, frauds/scams/discrimination, employment and crisis services.
Resource Guide in English
Resource Guide in Spanish
Resource Guide in Chinese
Resource Guide in French
Resource Guide in Korean
Resource Guide in Vietnamese
Legal Immigration Service Provider
This is a thorough guide that lists various community nonprofits representing immigrants in need of legal assistance on immigration cases in Montgomery County. Each page includes the name of the non-profit organization, a description, language capabilities, eligibility requirements, intake hours and times, and all contact information. “Given the complexity of our federal immigration laws, we know that a person without a lawyer is highly unlikely to prevail and we know that the consequences for the person and his or her family can be tragic and even deadly.” – Isiah Leggett, County Executive.
Legal Immigration Services Providers Guide
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
DACA Information - Here you can find information on the current status of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). Currently, they are not taking any DACA initial or renewal requests.
Immigration Forms - Here you can also find any immigration forms – whether you are trying to apply for permanent residency, extend your visa, or become a citizen among many other forms.
Statement - In response to President Trump's decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, the University System of Maryland Chancellor Robert Caret released a statement from the System office urging Congress to pass legislation protecting this population.
DACA and Undocumented Student Financial Resources
When applying to different aid programs, keep in mind that citizenship requirements can vary. Some aid programs have citizenship requirements, but others do not. Before applying, make sure to review the eligibility requirements of each aid program to determine if it requires U.S. citizenship status. Search for merit-based scholarships because most merit scholarships don't have any citizenship requirements.
Here is a formalized overview for DACA students with guidance, tips, and information about scholarships and financial aid eligibility.