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Undocumented & DACAmented Student Resources

View of the Statue of Liberty's torch from behind, looking out to sea

Since early 2017, executive orders enacted by the Trump administration​ have created significant volatility in U.S. immigration policy. Amid this uncertainty, Sm​i​th College remains deeply committed to protecting and supporting all members of our community.

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For Prospective Students

Undocumented and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students follow the procedures and requirements for first-year or transfer admission. They are evaluated in the same way as U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents. Undocumented and DACA students may apply under any admission plan, including January admission.

For more information, please visit the admission websites for:

Please contact the Office of Admission if you have further questions.

Smith’s Commitment

We will:

  • Provide equal access to institutional need-based financial aid and campus employment for undocumented students studying in the U.S. under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy.
  • Evaluate undocumented and DACA students under the same procedures and requirements we use for first-year or transfer admission for U.S. citizens in making admission decisions.
  • Take no voluntary action that would put members of our community at risk because of their citizenship or immigration status.
  • Resist releasing information about students’ citizenship or immigration status unless we are legally compelled to do so; if presented with a subpoena or other imperative, we will seek legal counsel before taking any steps to comply.
  • Continue our practice of strictly limiting the use of eVerify, the online system that cross-checks employment eligibility with the Department of Homeland Security, so that it is used only when we are legally required to do so. We will not use eVerify for routine matters, such as work-study employment.
  • Facilitate access to legal counsel for undocumented students and for international students affected by the travel ban.
  • Provide students with need-based financial support to cover the costs of meeting immigration application fees as necessary.
  • Facilitate finding year-round housing for international students, potentially on campus or through the alumnae network, if any cannot go home because of travel bans.

Resources for Students

The following administrative staff members serve as resources for undocumented student concerns. They can provide information on support available—on campus, in the area and in the larger academic community—for undocumented students. In an off-hours emergency, they can be contacted through dispatch (2490 from a campus phone; 413-585-2490 from a cell phone or off campus).

Primary Contact

Additional Resources

Smith Resources

More Resources

Resources for Employees

Letters From President Kathleen McCartney

Public Statements Signed by Smith