Terminology

This bill allows eligible students to pay in-state tuition at any Colorado public institution if they meet certain qualifications.

A person who has left their home country as a political refugee and is seeking asylum in another. Only asylum seekers who are granted refugee status are allowed to work in the country. 

Individuals who obtain U.S. citizenship by birth in the U.S. or by process of naturalization. Citizens obtain a Social Security Number. 

A supporting document used to confer in-state tuition for undocumented students. It serves two purposes: 1) to verify that the student meets the educational requirements and 2) to certify the intent to establish legal residency once given the opportunity. An affidavit is used only in states that offer in-state tuition rates to undocumented students.  

The term is used by undocumented individuals who have received DACA. DACAmented (similar to Dreamer) is sometimes used as a way to navigate away from the negative connotations given to terms such as undocumented, immigrant, non-U.S. citizen and so forth.

DACA is program announced on June 12, 2012 by President Barack Obama that is to protect individuals who qualify from deportation and give them a work permit for 2 years. The program is renewable. Deferred Action does not provide lawful status. 

The Development Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act is a piece of legislation proposed to provide a pathway to permanent residency and U.S. citizenship for qualified undocumented immigrant students.  The DREAM Act has been proposed several times in Congress since 2001, but has not been approved. 

DREAMer refers to students who are undocumented and are also part of the DREAM Act movement. DREAMer is a term commonly used by students who connect with the DREAM Act movement, and sometimes used as a way to navigate away from the negative connotations given to terms such as un documented, immigrant, non-U.S. citizen and so forth.

Refers to immigrants who were brought to the U.S as young children and identify as American. The label comes from the groups’ special place as first generation Americans who migrate to this country during childhood and feel strong identification with the U.S., yet are native to another country.

In U.S. context this term refers to all people who are born outside of the United States. Some people also use the term foreign born. 

A U.S. tax processing number, issued by the Internal Revenue Service to individuals who are required to have a taxpayer identification number but who do not have, and are not eligible to obtain, a social security number. 

Most colleges and universities consider any student who currently holds a visa of any type or is seeking a visa to be international. Undocumented students are not viewed as international applicants because many do not qualify for a visa, in addition undocumented students should not have to go through the international admission process as they cannot provide an international student visa.

Or “green card” recipient is defined by immigration law as a person who has been granted lawful permanent residence in the U.S. 

Refers to students that are either: 1) undocumented, but have family members that are U.S. residents or U.S. citizens or 2) are U.S. residents or U.S. citizens but have family members that are undocumented. 

The process by which U.S. citizenship is conferred upon a lawful permanent resident after he or she fulfills the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The general requirements for administrative naturalization include: a period of continuous residence and physical presence in the United States; an ability to read, write, and speak English; a knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government; good moral character; attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution; and a favorable disposition toward the U.S.

a person who has been forced to leave their country in order to escape war, persecution, or natural disaster.

is a temporary immigration status granted to nationals of certain counties who are already in the U.S. 

T Nonimmigrant Status (T visa) is a set aside for individuals who are or have been victims of human trafficking. It, protects victims of human trafficking and allows victims to remain in the United States to assist in an investigation or prosecution of human trafficking.

This term is used to highlight the fact that all peoples have documents (i.e. birth certificate, a form of identification card, and so forth), but that they are residing in the U.S. without legal authorization, thus unauthorized. 

Undocumented refers to people who are not U.S. citizens or Permanent Residents of the United States, who do not hold a visa to reside in the U.S. and who have not applied for legal residency in the U.S.

Is an immigration benefit that can be sought by victims of certain crimes who are currently assisting or have previously assisted law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of a crime, or who are likely to be helpful in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity.