When the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program began in 2012, undocumented youth who met the program’s requirements had the opportunity to obtain a renewable work permit and protection from deportation for up to two years.
This new terrain, although a perceived step forward for the undocumented community, presented challenges to navigate. Many individuals looking to apply for DACA were not properly informed about the program and did not have access to the necessary resources, according to Amie Scully, San Diego-based immigration attorney. Prompted by the need to aid and connect undocumented youth to this “life-changing opportunity,” Scully launched her nonprofit organization, Students Without Limits (SWOL).
SWOL serves at-risk and immigrant youth from low-income families, who will be first-generation college students, by bringing information and guidance to students within their schools. SWOL workshops are held at schools during lunch or after-school where students who are undocumented, as well as U.S. born students with undocumented parents, can voice their concerns, have their questions answered and learn about immigration-related issues. Scully currently runs SWOL workshops at more than a dozen local schools, colleges and community organizations, including City Heights-based Herbert Hoover High School, Health Sciences High and Middle College and Crawford High School.