Welcome to the AIM to Dream Center
The mission of the Advance , Innovate, and Maintain (AIM) to Dream Center is to help undocumented students, students from mixed-status families overcome the unique challenges that get in the way of achieving academic, personal and professional excellence. The Center is committed in advocating for undocumented students who want to pursue the dream of higher education.
After March 24th, AIM to Dream Center will be located in Building G, 101.
AIM to Dream Center
Allan Hancock College’s AIM to Dream Center provides an inclusive and embracing space for undocumented students, mixed-status families, and allies. The Dream Center provides holistic support to help students meet their academic and personal goals! Services include FREE immigration legal services, technology support, undocumented-centered events, free Rosetta Stone language learning software, AIM scholarships, and workshops.
Hours
Santa Maria (Building G, room 101)
Monday: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Tuesday: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Wednesday: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Thursday: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Lompoc Valley Center (2-111)
First Monday of every month
If you need assistance, please email aimstudent@hancockcollege.edu or call us at 805-922-6966 Ext. 3177
The AIM to Dream Center is open for in-person services as well as remote (phone/zoom). If you are on campus, we encourage you to come in and utilize our services and/or receive help! We are located in the Student Center Building G, room 101.
Meet Our Staff
Amalia Jimenez Chavez
Sarai Gonzalez
Office Services Technician I, AIM to Dream Centersarai.gonzale@hancockcollege.edu
805-922-6966 Ext.3177
Learning Facilitators
Mariana Trujillo
Omar Gomez
Yolanda Neponuceno
Interns
Jacqueline Villanueva
aimstudent@hanckcollege.eduRubi Basurto
aimstudent@hanckcollege.eduReasons to meet with the AIM to Dream Specialist may include:
- AIM to Dream services orientation
- Create a Rosetta Stone account
- Issues with residency
- Questions about employment / internships / scholarship opportunities
- Referral to Student Support Services
- Immigration legal service
- Questions about AB 540 / AG waiver form
- Questions about the Dream Act / FA appeal documentation
WORKSHOPS/Events
AIM to Dream x Puente Graduation Ceremony: May 14, 2025 (4 p.m. - 7 p.m. in G-106):
To get a FREE Graduation sarape stole, sign up using the following link: https://forms.gle/eEV7ngxaA1Y6mu9e8
DREAM Club
The Dream Club is a staff and student-led club supporting and advocating for undocumented students. We advocate for immigrants' rights and support students in achieving higher education access. We also raise funds to provide scholarships and undocumented-centered events. We welcome all undocumented students from mixed-status families and allies to join us. New members are always welcome! You belong here!
May 5, 2025 (11 a.m. - 2 p.m.): Cinco de Mayo Club Fundraiser in The Commons, outside Building G Michelaguas $5 and Chicharones $3
Nuestras juntas son en Español e Ingles.
To get more information about the Dream Club, please contact the AIM to Dream Center at 805-922-6966 Ext.3177 or email aimstudent@hancockcollege.edu
FREE IMMIGRATION LEGAL SERVICES
Allan Hancock College and UFW Foundation are partnering to provide free immigration legal services to All students, faculty, and staff.
Students enrolled, in any capacity, at California Community Colleges can now access FREE immigration legal support from trusted direct service organizations.
AHC Financial Aid Scholarship List
2025-2026 MALDEF Scholarship
Immigrants Rising Scholarships and Fellowships
Immigrants Rising #UndocuHustle
CA Dream Act Service Incentive Grant Program
My Undocumented Life - College Scholarships
Central Coast Coalition for Undocumented Student Success
CCC-USS strives to support the undocumented community of the Central Coast. We serve Northern Santa Barbara county and San Luis Obispo county students, educators, family members, and allies. Read about our work here.
CA Community College Undocumented Resources
CA Dream Act Service Incentive Grant Program
The California Dream Act Service Incentive Grant Program (DSIG) encourages California Dream Act Applicant (CADAA) Students with a Cal Grant A award that met Cal Grant B eligibility or a Cal Grant B award to perform community or volunteer service. The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) will award up to $4,500 per academic year (up to $2,250 per semester) to 1,667 eligible students. The grant will be available to the student for up to 8 semesters while they have an active Cal Grant A or B award. Students must also meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) and complete any necessary verification for their Cal Grant award.
For more information visit CSAC website or contact the AIM to Dream Center Office
National Immigration Legal Services Directory
Use the link below to search for immigration legal services providers by state, county, or detention facility. Only nonprofit organizations that provide free or low-cost immigration legal services are included in this directory.
#FindYourAlly - Higher Education Legal Services Project
What is Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
DACA is an administrative relief that protects eligible immigrants who came to the United States when they were children from deportation. DACA gives undocumented immigrants: 1) protection from deportation, and 2) a work permit. The program requires that the DACA status and work permit be renewed every two years.
On August 30, 2022 the Biden Administration issued a new rule on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) that will incorporate DACA into the Federal Regulations. Since its announcement, there have been several questions around who can access DACA now and what it means for all those first-time applicants who are waiting to obtain DACA. Below are a few key points for you to keep in mind as you navigate access to DACA now and when the rule goes into effect on October 31, 2022.
DACA Court Hearing June 2023
Case Background
The case was sent back to the lower court in October 2022 after the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the ruling that DACA is unlawful. The Fifth Circuit asked that Judge Hanen review the case considering the new DACA regulation formalized by the Biden Administration.
Potential Next Steps
Given Judge Hanen’s prior decisions in this case, it is likely he will again declare that DACA is unlawful. If he rules against DACA, the case will likely return to the Fifth Circuit.
We don’t know when Judge Hanen will issue his decision—it could be days or months from now.
What this means for DACA recipients
It’s important to remember that Judge Hanen cannot take away DACA renewals for current DACA recipients —only the appeals court, or later, the Supreme Court, can change that. While we wait for a decision remember that:
- DACA renewals are still open. This could change, which is why we urge you to renew as soon as possible while the courts are still allowing these applications to be processed.
- First-time DACA applications continue to stay in limbo and will not be processed.
- Advance parole for current DACA recipients is still available.
We understand that this rollercoaster of court cases is exhausting and unfair. We stand with you, and we will never stop fighting to protect our communities. Our communities deserve to be safe; we deserve to be free from the extreme stress and fear that comes with the threat of deportation and to continue planning our lives with certainty and stability.
Timeline: Texas v. United States
July 16, 2021: Judge Hanen from the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas ruled that DACA is unlawful. But the court allowed people with DACA to continue to renew. The court blocked USCIS from processing first-time DACA requests.
September 2021: The Biden administration appealed the decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.
July 6, 2022: Oral argument took place at the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals for the case.
August 30, 2022: The Biden Administration published their final rule on DACA.
October 5, 2022: The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals published a decision on the case, affirming that DACA is illegal and sending the case back down to the Texas District Court.
October 31, 2022: The Biden Administration’s DACA regulations went into effect.
June 1, 2023: Judge Hanen from the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas heard oral arguments again for the DACA case, this time focusing on the Biden Administration’s DACA rule.
September 13, 2023: Judge Hanen ruled DACA unlawful once again.
November 9, 2023: The Biden Administration appealed the decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.
October 10, 2024: Oral arguments will be heard at the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals
What’s Next?
On Jan. 17, 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit issued a decision regarding the DACA Final Rule. Pursuant to the court’s order, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will continue to accept and process DACA renewal requests and accompanying applications for employment authorization under the DACA regulations. USCIS will continue to accept initial requests but will not process initial DACA requests at this time. Current grants of DACA and related Employment Authorization Documents remain valid until they expire, unless individually terminated.
First-time applicants
First-time applications are currently accepted by USCIS, but they are still prohibited
from processing the application under the Texas court order. As of June 1, 2023, we
do not know if this will change.
Current DACA recipients
Renewals are allowed while the case is being decided in the U.S. District Court by
Judge Hanen. Remember that he cannot take away DACA for current DACA recipients —only
the appeals court, or later, the Supreme Court, can change that.
- My DACA expired less than a year ago. If your DACA expired under a year ago, USCIS will still process your renewal request as a renewal.
- My DACA expired over a year ago. If your DACA expired over a year ago, while you may still file for DACA, it will be considered an initial– or first-time– DACA request, and thus while USCIS will accept it, it may not process it under the Texas court order.
Advance parole – permission to travel abroad
AP continues open while renewals are still open.
DACA recipients that have a valid reason for traveling abroad can still request advance parole, or permission to travel abroad. A valid reason to travel abroad for a DACA recipient is an employment-based reason, a humanitarian reason, or an educational reason. Vacation is not a valid reason under the DACA rules. Find out more about advance parole on our guide and always consult with an immigration lawyer before traveling outside the United States.
What can we do now?
It’s important that Congress pass permanent solutions for people with or without DACA,
TPS holders, farmworkers, essential workers, and our family members.
Source: Informed Immigrant
GENERAL
All people in the United States, regardless of immigration status, have certain rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution. The ILRC’s Red Cards help people assert their rights and defend themselves in many situations, such as when ICE agents go to a home.
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Todas las personas en los Estados Unidos - sin importar su estatus migratorio - tienen derechos y protecciones bajo la constitución del país. Nuestras Tarjetas Rojas ayudan a los inmigrantes ejercer esos derechos y protegerse en muchas situaciones, como cuando agentes de inmigración visitan nuestras viviendas.
How to use/Como usar Red Cards
ilrc.org/resources/using-your-red-cards
Artwork to print your own cards
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