Career Pathways for Undocumented Students With and Without Work Authorization: Income Generation

One of the top priorities that undocumented students and alumni have identified is the need to generate income as well as pursue career opportunities in their field of interest. The challenges are particularly acute for undocumented individuals without work authorization. This resource compilation provides materials, websites, recordings and presentations that are geared towards undocumented students looking to pursue alternative income generation opportunities and institutions looking to share resources with students on alternative income generation. 

• The inaugural Supporting Undocumented Students College & Career Equity: Strategies for Success (SUCCESS) Convening on March 25-27, 2022 featured roundtable discussions, keynote speakers, and in-depth workshops. This workshop focused on identifying entrepreneurial career pathways available to undocumented students with and without work authorization, including entrepreneurial pathways, independent contracting, and worker cooperatives.  
  • Presentation- SUCCESS Convening: Income Generation
  • Recording- SUCCESS Convening: Income Generation

For Students: 

• Webinar: Alternative Income and Career Options for Undocumented Students 
  • This recorded webinar is geared for students and alumni who may not have DACA or Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and for those who do hold these statuses but worry that it might end. Undocumented people without DACA or TPS can pursue careers and incomes, including owning your own business, independent contracting, and worker cooperatives.

• Immigrants Rising: Income Generation Resources
• NYSYLC: The Non-Citizen’s Guide to Entrepreneurship
• Informed Immigrant: 5 Reasons Undocumented Immigrants Should Go Into Tech  

For Institutions & Allies: 

• Presidents’ Alliance: Fellowships and Other Non-Employment Based Opportunities for Undocumented Students  
• Webinar: Alternative Income and Career Options for Undocumented Students: How Colleges Can Help 
  • Presentation: Alternative Income and Career Options for Undocumented Students: How College Can Help 
• University of California Office of the President & Immigrants Rising: Income Generation Options for Undocumented Students Toolkit
• Immigrants Rising: 5 Tips For Educators To Help Students Get Started As Independent Contractors/Freelancers  
• NYEC: Improving Education & Income Generation Outcomes for Undocumented Youth