Finance in the U.S. as a DREAMer: Support & Resources

Updated: November 5, 2024

Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program was introduced in 2012 during President Barack Obama's administration. DACA is intended to shield young undocumented immigrants from deportation. There are many ways, such as buying a home and homeowners insurance, and traveling, recipients can embark on their financial journey in the United States.

Navigating the Financial System as a DREAMer

Like other first-generation immigrants, DACA recipients are often forced to navigate the United States' financial system on their own for the first time. This guide explains how recipients can carve a financial path to obtain a loan, find tuition assistance and get a credit card, among other things.

Common Hurdles and Challenges

Many DACA recipients are located in states with high costs of living, such as California and New York. Before moving to another state, it may be a good idea to estimate and calculate the cost of living. Even with gainful employment, DACA recipients face challenges due to having little or no credit, expensive filings and costly school tuition.

People with zero to no credit are often the target of predatory scams. These range anywhere from immigration-related falsehoods to loans with high interest rates and new credit scams. Below are issues to take into account:

    money icon

    Subprime loans

    Subprime loans are high-interest loans aimed at people with "subprime" credit scores. Some subprime loan lenders charge interest rates as high as 30%, adding to a borrower's financial problems.

    financialPlanning icon

    Notaries and immigration consultants

    Notaries and immigration professionals can be costly, and many prey on DACA recipients. Stay on guard for charges for government forms, excessive fees, and "consultants" who aren't qualified to provide proper legal advice.

    find icon

    New credit identity fraud

    Credit scams abound, though some of the most common include "new credit identity” scams that charge people for Social Security Numbers that can be used for credit services. These are often stolen SSNs that end up involving victims of identity theft and fraud.

An illustration of a young woman leaning against a MoneyGeek credit card has her hand raised, and a young man on his laptop is looking for ways to travel as a DACA recipient.

Obtaining Help with Legal Fees and Immigration Applications

The current fee for DACA applications and renewals is $495. There is currently no waiver for this fee, but there are other ways you can find financial help.

  1. 1
    Look for exemptions

    U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) can exempt certain applicants from the fee if they face extreme circumstances, such as homelessness, medical debts that are $10,000 or more and chronic disability, along with an income of 150% beneath the federal poverty level.

    DACA recipients who believe they may be eligible for the exemption must submit a letter with supporting documentation and file a petition before sending in their DACA application. Learn more about how to file a request on USCIS's website.

  2. 2
    Find a pro-bono lawyer

    Many lawyers provide their services free of charge to immigrants and DACA recipients. Consult a list of legal providers to see if there is a professional who can help you understand the application process.

  3. 3
    Look for legal aid

    Legal aid offices provide free legal help to people who cannot afford to hire a lawyer. Unlike law offices, legal aid offices are not-for-profit agencies that frequently offer assistance for those with low incomes.

An illustration of a young woman pulling on the credit rating needle as she tries to improve her credit score.

Starting Your Credit Journey: How to Build Credit

Building credit is a way to let creditors, lenders and other financial institutions know you can be trusted with financial responsibilities. This is especially important if you'd like to own a home, buy a car or get a low-interest credit card.

DACA recipients are often cut off from common ways to start building credit, such as asking their parents if they can become an authorized user on a credit card. However, there are still ways to build good credit as an immigrant. Below are some steps you can take.

  1. 1
    Put bills and utilities in your name

    If you're not interested in a credit card, start by getting a phone plan and/or adding a utility to your name. Pay the bill on time and in full, so you can start establishing a good payment history.

  2. 2
    Get a credit card

    Get a credit card, such as a secured credit card, and keep your spending under 30% of your spending limit. For example, if your credit card’s spending limit is $600 per month, charge no more than $200 per month and make sure to pay the bill on time.

  3. 3
    Open a bank account

    Immigrants are 13% more likely to be unbanked than people born in the U.S. Opening a bank account can provide you with access to a debit card and make it easier to apply for a credit card.

Finding Tuition Assistance

Up to 19 states allow undocumented immigrants in-state tuition. This allows DACA recipients to attend state college or university while paying the same tuition as fellow green-card holders and U.S.-born citizens.

At least seven states also offer state financial aid to undocumented students: California, Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Minnesota, Oregon and Washington. Additionally, many private universities provide both merit and need-based scholarships. Below are additional resources that can help.

  • Scholarships.com: This website lists all scholarships available and allows you to set parameters that will make your search easier. It also offers a list of private scholarships for undocumented and DACA recipients.
  • TheDream.us: Organizations such as TheDream are dedicated solely to providing scholarships for undocumented immigrants and DACA students. Additionally, there are directories of immigration advocacy organizations that either offer scholarships or work with partner organizations. Check their blogs for due dates and requirements.
  • Consulates: Some consulates, embassies or external affairs offices may offer scholarships to DACA recipients who wish to pursue their studies in the United States. For example, the government of Mexico has Institute of Mexicans Abroad (IME) scholarships for Mexican immigrants living in the U.S. It doesn't hurt to ask if the consulate of your country of origin has scholarships you can apply for.
An illustration of a young man and woman interested in buying a home.

Purchasing a Home for DACA Recipients

The prospect of buying a house can be intimidating for DACA recipients. However, it is possible to purchase a home as long as you meet your lender's requirements, have a stable job and present a decent credit score. Below are additional steps you should take into account.

  1. 1
    Save up for a down payment

    Lenders require homebuyers to pay a down payment that is a percentage of the home’s asking price. Immigrants may expect to pay a down payment as high as 20%. Consult with prospective lenders about their requirements.

  2. 2
    Choose a loan

    The FHA will now consider DACA applicants for home loans. FHA loans can help DACA recipients buy homes. They’re also not the only loans available. Consult reputable banks and credit unions and compare their rates, requirements and policies.

  3. 3
    Find an experienced agent

    About 88% of homebuyers elect to work with a real estate agent. An agent who has experience working with immigrant homebuyers can assist you better during the homebuying process.

  4. 4
    Consider homeowners insurance

    Once you purchased your house, buying homeowners insurance will be the next step. Consider adding insurance to your annual expenses. There are options to find affordable and great homeowners insurance providers. Compare quotes to determine what is best for you and your family.

Traveling for DREAMers

Domestic travel isn't a problem for DACA recipients. An unexpired work permit and/or a state ID are sufficient documentation for travel within the country via bus, train or airplane. But traveling abroad can get more complicated. Take note of the following:

  1. 1
    Obtain Advance Parole

    This "Application for Travel Document" may entail getting assistance from a lawyer and completing an application. Parole is usually granted for humanitarian and educational reasons, though other circumstances may allow you to qualify.

  2. 2
    Compare quotes

    Make sure to compare quotes when searching for car insurance and travel insurance. This can help leave room in your budget for additional items including, incidentals, visa fees, and hotel or hostel stays. Our car insurance estimator is a great tool to get anonymous, personalized quotes instantly.

Ask the experts:

What are common financial issues you see with DACA recipients?

Financial Expert and President of Second Federal, Self-Help Credit Union division in Chicago, Illinois

DACA recipients often don't know that they can take advantage of financial opportunities that can help them build wealth, such as investing, real estate, and starting businesses. Like many first-generation immigrants, DACA recipients are often the first in their families to be able to go to college and have a salary job with benefits but lack the guidance from their families on how to manage the money they are making and make it work for them. This can really hold people back from setting up systems to start building generational wealth, even if they are making a good income. DACA recipients also must grapple with financial planning under a unique set of circumstances. DACA recipients have to plan for recurring immigration expenses in their financial plans, including immigration attorneys and DACA renewal fees. There is also the uncertainty of the DACA program itself, which can make long-term financial, career, and life planning feel uncertain and overwhelming.

Have a question?

Ask a question, it’s free

Ask an expert
Loading...

Additional Resources for DACA Recipients

There are many additional resources that can be useful for DACA recipients planning their financial journey, living in the U.S., and protecting themselves from scams and fraud.

Resources to Protect Yourself

  • Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): The CFPB monitors financial developments that affect consumers, such as changes to federal and state policy, financial literacy and credit. It also monitors scams and can help you obtain redress if you are unfairly targeted by unfair business practices.
  • American Bar Association: As a DACA recipient, you will likely need to work with a lawyer to continue renewing your permit, among other things. The American Bar Association keeps a state directory of bar associations so you can look for and vet lawyers offering immigration services.
  • Stop Notario Fraud: The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) created this website to monitor common scams targeting immigrants. It posts educational blog posts, news and resources you can use to educate yourself.
  • U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) forms: Be aware of site where you have to pay for forms. You shouldn't have to pay for immigration forms. USCIS keeps a list of all immigration forms you may need to file at any given time. This list can help you find them easily — and even show you how to file them online.

Financial Resources

  • Credit Unions Online: Banks are a great place to open an account or obtain loans. However, credit unions may offer more flexibility when dealing with DACA recipients. This website provides a credit union locator.
  • Bridging Refugee Youth & Children’s Services (BRYCS): Originally founded for refugees, BRYCS now offers financial literacy information aimed at helping immigrants of all backgrounds. Services include a podcast and insight into money management for immigrants.
  • Mission Asset Fund: MAF is a San Francisco Bay area organization that helps immigrants understand their finances, and it even offers immigration loans to help pay for DACA and naturalization fees. The organization's scope is limited to San Francisco and California, but they maintain a resource database you can search to find help in other states.
  • FPA Planner Search: A certified financial planner can help you maximize your finances, navigate loans and create a sound budget plan. This website helps you find a planner who has experience working with immigrants, especially DACA recipients.
  • American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA): A certified public accountant (CPA) who is skilled in dealing with taxes can help you stay on track and be aware of certain deductions and financial considerations you should keep in mind. This directory can help you find someone who is focused on working with DACA recipients.
  • Banking for Immigrants: MoneyGeek's guide to opening bank accounts, building credit and accessing loans for immigrants, with or without documentation.
  • Health Care Resources for Immigrants: MoneyGeek's guide to health care services and insurance options for documented and undocumented immigrants, including emergency care, free clinics and programs like Medicaid and ACA Marketplace.

Housing Assistance

  • United States Department of Housing and Urban Development: The Department of Housing and Urban Development recently changed its rules so that DACA recipients become eligible for FHA home loans. The website explains requirements, eligibility and important terms. Note that not all HUD services are available to DACA recipients.
  • USAgov: A comprehensive website that lists every resource in the USA, USAgov is a directory of all government services, including those related to immigration and housing. You can also call 1-844-872-4681 between 8 a.m.-8 p.m. (EST) Monday-Fridays, except during federally recognized holidays.

Advocacy, Community and Mental Health Support

  • United We Dream: This national immigration advocacy organization monitors programs such as DACA, posts scholarship information and offers toolkits that can help you make a financial plan.
  • Coalition for Immigrant Mental Health (CIMH): Financial responsibilities can impact your mental health. CIMH offers a comprehensive list of resources to deal with any mental health issues associated with finances.
  • My Undocumented Life: This lifestyle website covers issues that affect undocumented immigrants, such as applying to graduate school, searching for jobs and internships and much more. It also offers webinars and stories from inspiring undocumented/DACA recipients.

About Ingrid Cruz


Ingrid Cruz headshot

Ingrid Cruz is a freelance writer based in Mississippi. She enjoys coffee, hiking and cats.


sources