Undocumented Status Terminology
Language matters—and it changes over time. This glossary explains commonly used terms related to undocumented status and reflects ongoing conversations about how to talk about these topics in respectful, supportive ways.
People choose the language that feels right for them when talking about their own identities. Everyone is encouraged to learn from one another and use terminology thoughtfully and respectfully.
The , passed in 2013, allows some undocumented students to pay in‑state tuition at Colorado public colleges and universities if they meet specific requirements.
To qualify, students must:
- Attend a Colorado high school for at least one year before graduating
- Graduate from a Colorado high school or earn a Colorado GED
- Live in Colorado for at least 12 consecutive months before enrolling
- Apply for the College Opportunity Fund (COF) and submit the required affidavit stating that they do not currently have lawful immigration status but have applied—or will apply—when eligible. (Colorado Department of Higher Education, n.d.)
Colorado Department of Higher Education. (n.d.). .
is a U.S. immigration policy created in 2012 that provides temporary protection from deportation for some undocumented individuals who came to the U.S. as children.
DACA:
- Offers renewable, two‑year protection from deportation
- Allows eligible individuals to apply for work authorization
- Does not provide legal immigration status or a pathway to citizenship
The program has faced ongoing legal challenges, which has created uncertainty about its future. (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 2025)
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. (2025, January 24). .
The (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act) was first introduced in Congress in 2001. It aimed to provide a pathway to legal status for undocumented individuals who were brought to the U.S. as children and educated in the U.S. The bill has never been passed. A later version, the Dream & Promise Act, passed the U.S. House of Representatives in 2021 but has not become law.
Today, the term “DREAMer” is often used to describe undocumented young people who:
- Were brought to the U.S. as children
- Grew up and attended school in the U.S.
- Often identify strongly with the U.S. as home
At the same time, some community members have raised concerns about the term. These conversations highlight how the “DREAMer” narrative can place unfair expectations on individuals or negatively frame families. Because of this, not everyone chooses to use this label. (American Immigration Council, 2024)
American Immigration Council. (2024, May 8).
Legal Permanent Residents, often called Green Card holders, are immigrants who are legally allowed to live and work in the U.S. permanently.
Legal Permanent Residents:
- Can work and travel freely
- May apply for U.S. citizenship after meeting residency requirements
- Can lose status if they leave the U.S. for extended periods or commit certain crimes
How LPR status is granted:
- Family sponsorship, such as through a U.S. citizen or LPR relative
- Employment sponsorship, usually for highly skilled positions
The process can take anywhere from months to many years, depending on the situation. Approval is not automatic and includes health and background checks. Some immigration violations or criminal records can make a person permanently ineligible, even if they have close family members who are U.S. citizens. (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 2025)
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. (2025, January 24).
A mixed‑status family includes members with different citizenship or immigration statuses.
Examples include:
- Undocumented parents with U.S.‑born children
- Families where siblings or extended family members have different statuses
Many students—regardless of their own status—identify with the undocumented community because of the lived experiences of their families and loved ones. (National Immigration Law Center, 2022)
National Immigration Law Center. (2022, October). .
An undocumented immigrant is a person who does not currently have legal documentation to live or work in the United States.
People may become undocumented in different ways, including:
- Entering the U.S. without authorization
- Entering legally but having documents expire
- Applying for legal status and having that application denied
Many undocumented students have lived in the U.S. for most of their lives and have attended U.S. schools for many years.
The term “undocumented” is preferred over “illegal,” which is widely viewed as harmful, inaccurate and dehumanizing. (Immigrants Rising, n.d.)
Immigrants Rising. (n.d.).
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a temporary benefit for individuals from certain countries experiencing unsafe conditions, such as armed conflict or natural disasters, that prevent safe return. It is designated by the U.S. government and administered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
TPS holders:
- Can stay in the U.S. during the designated period
- Can apply for work authorization (EAD)
- May request travel authorization
- Are protected from removal while TPS is active
Important to know:
- TPS is temporary and does not lead to permanent residency or citizenship
- Individuals can still apply for other immigration benefits if eligible
How TPS is granted:
- The government designates countries based on:
- Armed conflict
- Environmental disasters
- Other temporary extraordinary conditions
Eligible individuals must already be in the U.S. and apply during the registration period. (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, n.d.)
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. (n.d.).. U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
A U.S. citizen is someone who has citizenship through:
- Birth in the United States
- Birth abroad to U.S. citizen parent(s)
- Naturalization
- A parent’s naturalization while the child is still a minor
U.S. citizens have full legal rights, including the right to vote in U.S. elections.
Internal Revenue Service. (n.d.). . U.S. Department of the Treasury.