Undocumented Student Programs

Steps to Study Away Program

• Educate Yourself about Domestic Travel
  1. Watch “Traveling Domestically within the US” (Log into rweb to view)
  2. Read the Guide For Undocumented Individuals Traveling In The U.S.
  3. View Undocu Travel Reel
• Learn about different Study Away Programs
  1. UCR Capital Internships: UC Center Sacramento (UCCS) and UC Washington Center (UCDC)
      
• Apply to Study Away Programs
  1. UC Programs
  2. UCR Capital Internships: UC Center Sacramento (UCCS) and UC Washington Center (UCDC)
      

Steps to Travel (after being accepted to Program)

• Obtain valid photo ID

  Obtain a valid (unexpired) photo ID issued by the state or federal government, as it is required to fly domestically.  

  1. Undocumented individuals without DACA may use the following forms of ID accepted by TSA:
     • CA State driver’s license (a REAL ID compliant license is not required until May 7, 2025)  
     • Foreign passport (must be unexpired)
• Complete a Legal Intake

  If you do not have DACA, you are required to meet with our UCR Immigration Attorney to understand the domestic travel process.  Click here to make an appointment  
   

Prepare Financially

• Apply to Scholarships

  Don’t stay in your dorm all day during your travels! So make sure to have the funds to enjoy your trip. Therefore, you should apply for scholarships.

  1. RDream Scholarship
  2. USP Study Away Scholarship
      
• Request the Dream Loan via R’Web

  If you have not accepted the Dream Loan and need money to cover housing, travel, etc, consider the Dream Loan. We recommend requesting it eight weeks in advance. 

  
  Note: The Dream Loan is much cheaper than credit card debit.
   
  Questions? See the FAQ below. If your question is not listed, contact usp@ucr.edu  

FAQ

• Is traveling via plane within the US safe for students without DACA?

  The risk of encountering immigration enforcement while traveling domestically is low but remains a real possibility. However, we do not want to foreclose opportunities to students and strongly advise that they consult with our attorneys before planning their domestic trip to understand general risks and any heightened risks in their specific case. 

  Lastly, try to avoid the 100-mile radius of international borders. 

• What identification can I use if I don’t have DACA?

  Please note that all travelers flying on a domestic flight (U.S. States) must present a valid (unexpired) photo ID issued by the state or federal government. Undocumented individuals without DACA may use the following forms of ID accepted by TSA:

  1. CA State driver’s license (a REAL ID compliant license is not required until May 7, 2025)  
  2. Foreign passport (must be unexpired)
      
• What identification should I use if I have DACA/TPS?

  Please note that all travelers flying on a domestic flight (U.S. States) must present a valid (unexpired) photo ID issued by the state or federal government.  Undocumented individuals with DACA should consider using the following forms of ID accepted by TSA:

  1. CA State driver’s license (a REAL ID compliant license is not required until May 7, 2025)  
  2. CA State identification (ID) card (a REAL ID compliant card is not required until May 7, 2025)  
  3. Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
      
• Can I travel to Puerto Rico?

  Puerto Rico is a U.S. Territory, not a U.S. State. Travel to a U.S. state (domestic trip) and a U.S. Territory is different. Traveling to the U.S. Territories without DACA, even though a person has never technically left the U.S., could result in a referral to ICE for removal.