Employment

Employment resources for undocumented students, including specific resources for those without DACA.

Career Services provides advising for undocumented students around continuing education, jobs, and completing applications and other forms

DACAmented Employment Resources

Student Employment at Western:

• Students with DACA can hold jobs on and off campus, using their work permits. Some students with DACA may also be eligible for State Work Study (SWS) as part of their financial aid packages, depending on employment authorization, residency and financial need.
  • On-campus employers are required to verify the identity and legal authorization to work for all paid employees, including SWS student employees, via the completion of I-9 (employment eligibility verification). DACA recipients can continue to use valid Employment Authorization Cards (EAC) in the I-9 verification process to establish both identity and employment eligibility, though this is not a guarantee of continued employment.
  • On-campus employers are required to complete I-9 documents for all employees. If you do not have legal authorization to work, you cannot hold campus employment, including State Work Study positions. We recognize that this is a challenge for undocumented students, and continue to explore legal avenues for employment.
• For more information, check out:
  •  Student Employment Center’s
    • Instructions for Finding Work Study Employment
      • On-campus Work Study Jobs
      • Off-campus Work Study Jobs
    • On-campus Non-Work Study Jobs
    • Off-campus Non-Work Study Jobs
  • Associated Students Jobs

DACA students' right to work: This guidance document from the Department of Justice provides basic information regarding DACA students' right to work, answers to frequently asked questions, and contact information.

Alternative Employment Resources

Below are resources to help earn money regardless of immigration status.

Immigrants Rising has a lot of information and resource regarding how to generate income through entrepreneurship and freelancing as an undocumented person, such as:

• Income and Career Alternatives webinar
• Online Contracting Opportunities in High Demand
• ITINs, EINs, and Taxes Webinar and Guide:  Before you consider starting a business, you need to make sure you have a valid Social Security Number (SSN) or Identification Number (ITIN)

UndocuProfessionals Network is a national network for and by undocumented communities creating career paths regardless of immigration status.

My Undocumented Life Job Opportunities

National Immigration Law Center Workers’ Rights and Taxes Information