Hello UndocuScholars and Allies!

The purpose of this virtual hub is to bring important information to you. We understand that information is often in flux, making it difficult to keep up with recent policy changes on top of the general duties that come with being a student. We are here for you. Whatever you need, let us know!
We know that due to COVID-19, many of our students now face heightened financial, physical, emotional, and academic challenges. Orange Coast College cares about our students' success and well-being during these difficult times. We are here to help. For students who are interested in requesting COVID-19 Emergency Funds & Resources,  please fill out this OCC COVID-19 Emergency Funding & Resource Request Form.  
The United We Dream NationalUndocuFund is designed to give qualifying immigrant families a much needed financial boost. They will prioritize families that don't qualify for the federal stimulus package and families where one or more members have recently lost work due to the crisis.
Resources for Immigrants During the Coronavirus Crisis
For a list of sliding scale medical care providers in Orange County click here.

Health Access & Guidance Regarding Covid-19
  • USCIS has confirmed that the Public Charge rule does not restrict access to testing, screening, or treatment of communicable diseases, including COVID-19. USCIS Alert
  • Some undocumented individuals are eligible for full-scope Medi-Cal. Currently, Medi-Cal covers testing at no cost.
                         i. Senate Bill 75  offers full-scope Medi-Cal to undocumented children up to 19
years of age.
                       ii. New legislation has expanded full-scope Medi-Cal benefits
to all  young undocumented adults under age 26 regardless of DACA
                      iii. Individuals with DACA status  will continue to be eligible for state-funded,
full scope Medi Cal.
                      iv. Undocumented people are also qualified for  Emergency Medi-Cal

Unemployment Benefits for DACA Recipients
  • The California Employment Development Department (EDD) is encouraging individuals with DACA and other employment authorizations who are affected by coronavirus layoffs to apply for unemployment benefits. Workers don't have to be sick to qualify. Individuals who were laid off or had hours reduced due to coronavirus restrictions can also apply.

  • Applying for unemployment benefits? Check out this step-by-Step application assistance created by the Jewish Family & Children-East Bay in English or Spanish

DACA Renewal Resources
  • The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has received additional funding to support individuals with their DACA renewal fees for income-eligible CA residents. You can find a list of eligible legal service providers here.
  • To Register for a Free DACA Renewal in Orange County call 657-247-9976 or register online with World Relief in Garden Grove: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScqClHcnXQMXOWMbECG1XMGF3kbsgANzLQeTHt1GhWDyem7wA/viewform
Tenant Rights and Resources During the COVID19 Pandemic
  • Various cities in California and other states have issued rent moratoriums for a limited time to prevent residents from being evicted due to a loss of income related to a business closure, loss of hours or wages, layoffs, or out-of-pocket medical costs caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • In Southern California: Santa Ana, Anaheim, Costa Mesa, Fullerton, Westminster, Placentia, Buena Park, Mission Viejo, Los Angeles, Riverside County, San Diego
  • To determine whether your city has a rent moratorium, please check your city government website or refer to this summary of moratoriums in Orange County.
  • Use letter templates from local housing justice groups or from your city government website to reach out to your landlord to request rent suspension and/or temporary rent reduction due to COVID-19
  • State Wide the Judicial Council passed an emergency rule of court, ordering all state courts not to proceed with evictions during COVID-19 crisis.
  • If your landlord has served you with an eviction notice or they are threatening to evict you please call the
Public Law Center to seek a free legal consultation: (714) 541-1010; 303
"The $75 million Disaster Relief Fund will support undocumented Californians who have been impacted by the outbreak and are ineligible for unemployment insurance benefits and disaster relief -- including the CARES Act -- as a result of their immigration status.

About 150,000 undocumented adults in the state will receive a one-time cash benefit of $500 per adult with a cap of $1,000 per household."
Student Equity Program
Email: undocu.scholars@occ.cccd.edu | Visit: Watson Hall 205 |Call: 714.432.6847