The NEIU community has made several changes since 2011 to help DACA students feel more welcomed on campus. The following is a list of some of these changes:

URO: The Undocumented Resilient and Organized club (URO) formed 2011 by pressuring NEIU faculty and staff to open general scholarships for undocumented students, offer admittance for undocumented students and provide resources for undocumented students.

URO organizes events and fundraisers to promote awareness on immigration issues, encourages undocumented students to become leaders in their communities and help fund foundation scholarships for undocumented students. URO will meet every Thursday this Fall.

Director of Undocumented Student Resources: Luvia Moreno, director of undocumented student resources, holds the first undocumented resource director position created at a public university in Illinois.

Moreno’s role is to advocate for undocumented students on campus, provide training for faculty and staff to become allies for undocumented students, and to fundraise for undocumented student funds. She is also a keynote speaker at colleges, high schools and universities, promoting educational opportunities for undocumented students. For more information, please email: [email protected].

Scholarships: There are two scholarships at NEIU created for undocumented students. The “Aspire Scholarship” was founded by NEIU’s President Emerita Dr. Salme Harju Steinburg and private donors.

The “Undocumented Resource Fund” was created by Vice President of Student Affairs and former undocumented student Dr. Daniel López Jr. The “Undocumented Resource Fund” can help students obtain funding for expenses such as emergency financial help, renewing DACA applications, purchasing books, travel assistance, etc.

The Acevedo Bill: The Acevedo Bill or the Illinois General Assembly Public Act 093-07 was passed in 2003. It gives undocumented students the right to be charged in-state/resident tuition if they meet criteria and have followed guidelines of the state of Illinois. Review the “Assessment of In-State Tuition for Undocumented Students” to see if you qualify.

Resource Guide: A committee of faculty, staff and administrators created a resource guide for staff and faculty on campus to assist and support undocumented students wherever help is needed. It can be found by going to the NEIU website under “University Life.”

Mental Health Resources: Mental health support is available to registered NEIU students. Call NEIU’s Counseling Services (773) 442-4650 to make an appointment or visit them in room B-119 on main campus

Allies: The Undocumented Students Project is training faculty and staff to become allies for undocumented students. The Undocumented Student Project launched in 2013 and have opened their doors to counsel undocumented students on issues they may be facing.