Definitions

Cultural citizenship — Used to describe undocumented people who take part in the class, cultural, and linguistic knowledge and skills that establish the cultural capital of social groups in the U.S.

DREAMer — Refers to undocumented students who benefit from the DREAM Act. DREAMer is commonly used by students who connect with the DREAM Act movement and as a way to navigate away from the negative connotations given to terms such as undocumented, immigrant, and non-U.S. citizen.

Entry without inspection — Refers to individuals who have entered the U.S. without presenting normative government accreditation (i.e. visa).

Financial aid — Commonly refers to financial assistance available through the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid and the state of California. Student aid covers school expenses such as tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and transportation. Learn more about financial aid for undocumented students.

Illegal — A racially charged slur used to dehumanize and discriminate against immigrants and people of color regardless of migratory status. The word is shorthand for "illegal alien," "illegal immigrant" and other harmful terms. The Applied Research Center (ARC) and Colorlines.com, have presented the Drop The L-Word campaign to eradicate the slur from everyday use and public discourse.

International student — Includes any student who currently holds a visa of any type or is seeking a visa. Undocumented students are not considered international applicants because many do not qualify for a visa and, therefore, do not have to go through the international admission process.

Legal citizenship — Obtained by individuals who are residing in the U.S. legally due to the attainment of permanent residency or citizenship through a visa or green card. These individuals obtain a social security number (SSN).

Mixed status family — Families in which one or more members are undocumented. It is important to know this information because it may affect the way a student fills out their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Non-citizen —Applies to students who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents, do not hold a valid visa, or are not seeking a visa for study or documentation for residency in the U.S.

Overstayed visa — Refers to individuals who have stayed in the U.S. after their tourist, visitor, or student visa has expired.

Unauthorized — Used to describe individuals who possess a birth certificate or identification card but are residing in the U.S. without legal authorization.

Undocumented student — Refers to students who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents, do not hold a visa, or have not applied for legal residency. In many cases, the term non-citizen refers to undocumented students. These students are eligible to be admitted to USF. Undocumented students are not eligible for federal financial aid.