1. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

1A: What Are The Program’s Eligibility Requirements?

In order to be considered and accepted into our program, you must meet all of the following criteria:

• Be 21 years-old or older at the time of travel.
• Speak fluent Spanish as all instruction will be in Spanish.
• Non-Spanish-speaking accepted participants will be offered a Special Program package at a higher cost to cover 24/7 translation and interpreting services, travel guides, transportation for field trips, etc., provided as a custom-designed program model.  
• Have an active DACA status with an expiration date after January 31st, 2025 or after March 31st, 2025 for the Fall 2024 and Winter 2025 programs respectively. 
• Have a valid passport from the respective country of origin. Passport must be active through 6 months after January 31, 2025 or March 31, 2025 for the Fall 2024 and Winter 2025 programs respectively.  OR applicants applying for a new passport or renewal, need to have an appointment for a passport by July 31, 2024 or sooner.
• If the applicant is Mexican-born, they must commit to applying for and attaining the Instituto Nacional Electoral’s (INE) Credencial de Elector before traveling to Mexico. Click here to follow the instructions to apply for an INE Card.
• Must have no major criminal or immigration record with deportable offenses or pending cases that may be deportable violations.
• Must participate in ALL REQUIRED PROGRAM activities.
• Applicants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and have a COVID-19 booster within 3 months before departure. Must provide the CMSC with proof of vaccination in order to apply and be considered for the Fall 2024 and Winter 2025 IDSAP programs. Otherwise, you cannot participate in the IDSAP Academic Program nor travel to Mexico. No exceptions or exemptions.
• Must test negative for COVID-19, 2 days prior to departure to Mexico, and 2 days prior to arriving to the academic program. Participants must pay for all their COVID-19 testing.
• Must be able to pay the $4,000 program fees and the USCIS $630 Advance Parole permit travel fee. (See payment schedule for details)
• Must have an emergency fund of at least $1,000 to cover the costs of 7 to 10 days for Room and Board at an Airbnb rental, meals and medication if a COVID infection prevents you from returning to the U.S. in order to quarenteen.

1B: Is There Any Age Cap To Participate In The Program?

No, there is no age cap. Anyone 21 years or older with active DACA status and who can demonstrate leadership and maturity to travel independently abroad can apply.

1C: My Current Work Permit / DACA Will Be Expiring Soon, But I Am Currently Renewing It. Can I Still Apply?

In order to qualify for our program and apply for Advance Parole, your current DACA/work permit must not expire before our program travel dates. In addition, participants must have an active DACA status upon return. Otherwise, you will be jeopardizing your DACA status and may not be allowed back in the U.S. As long as your current DACA will not expire until after January 31st, 2025 or after March 31st, 2025 for the Fall 2024 and the Winter 2025 programs, respectively, you can still apply.

1D: I’ve Previously Been Charged With A Felony, Misdemeanor, DUI, Arrest, Pending Court Appearance, Order Of Deportation, Or Any Other Criminal And/Or Immigration Record, Do I Qualify To Apply?

No. Unfortunately, if you have been convicted of a felony, DUI, domestic violence or sex-related crimes previously, received an order of deportation, or have a pending court appearance for any other serious criminal case, we will not accept you into our program. 

In order to be considered for our program, you must have NO major criminal and/or immigration pending records, which means that if you have been issued a deportation order, or have been charged with a felony, certain types of misdemeanors, DUI, arrest, pending court appearance, or any other outstanding criminal and/or immigration record, you CANNOT participate in our program, unless all cases are closed and with proof of dismissed or completed penalties. We do this for your own safety given that U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) will do a background check upon reentry, and they have total authority to deny your re-entry into the US. 

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this issue, email us at: info@calmexcenter.org Please refer to this link for instructions on how to call the U.S. Immigration Court Automated Hotline to verify that you don’t have an immigration record that might jeopardize your safe return to the U.S. https://www.california-mexicocenter.org/immigration-background-clearance/

1E: I Already Graduated And/Or I Am Not Attending School, Do I Still Qualify To Apply?

Yes. You do not currently need to be enrolled at a school or university. We encourage everyone who meets the requirements to apply. 

1F: I Live Outside Of The Los Angeles Area, Or In Another State, Do I Qualify To Apply?

Yes, we welcome and encourage applicants from any state in the United States to apply for our Fall 2024 and Winter 2025 Independent Dreamers Study Abroad Programs. However, keep in mind that our program requires participants to reenter the U.S. as a group or individually through the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), which is in California. Thus, you have to plan for and pay at your own expense for any connecting flight(s) and/or ground transportation required to arrive at your final destination.

1G: I Am A DACA, Beneficiary But I Am Not Mexican, Do I Qualify To Apply To Your Program?

Yes, DACA recipients from all nationalities are welcome to apply as long as they are fluent Spanish-speakers, given that the entire program will be conducted in Spanish in Mexico. Non-Spanish-speakers will be considered if they pay a higher program fee, to cover 24/7 escort, translation and interpreting fees to ensure safety and safe return to the U.S.

1H: What Is The “Credencial de Elector” (INE Card), How Do I Get One, And Why Are We Required To Get One?

La Credencial de Elector del Instituto Nacional Electoral (INE) is the most widely used form of identification in Mexico (as opposed to the “matricula consular,” which is given in the U.S. and is not recognized as an official identification in Mexico).  The INE credential card also allows Mexican citizens living abroad to vote in Mexico’s state-of-origin and presidential elections. Therefore, we will require all Mexican-born Dreamers to apply and attain their INE Credential before going to Mexico to be used as their main identification and as an additional safety measure while traveling in Mexico. By doing so, Mexican-born participants will not have to use their passport or DACA cards as identification when boarding flights or entering places that require an ID while in Mexico. This ensures that you keep your U.S.-granted IDs and passport in a safe place at all times until your return to the U.S., and avoid carrying them, which is not required in Mexico.

Important note: If you are an applicant who is a citizen of another country, you DO NOT need to apply for an INE card. 

Please visit our INE Card Instructions page to find out how you can obtain one in a timely manner before our Fall 2024 and Winter 2025 IDSAP programs starts.

1I: Can U.S. Citizens Or Non-DACA Holders Apply To Participate In Your Program?

YES. This program is specifically designed for ALL undocumented immigrants who have an active DACA status, of any ethnic background, language or nationality, who meet all program requirements and are admitted into the program. But in addition, the Fall 2024 and Winter 2025 IDSAP will allow Chicano/Mexican, Mexican American and any non-DACA participants to join Dreamers accepted into the program, such as family relatives or friends that can travel with the IDSAP fall 2024 and Winter 2025 participants.   

2. PROGRAM APPLICATION PROCESS:

2A: I Already Completed My Online Application, What Happens Next?

After completing your online application, you must also send us your letter of recommendation ASAP but no later than one week after your application is filed, in order to be considered for our program. Please email your letter to records@calmexcenter.org and label the file in the following format: FirstName_MiddleInitial_LastNames_LOR. If your reference sends it directly to us, have them follow the same guidelines. No late LORs will be considered. Please note, you will not be considered for an interview until your LOR is submitted, which will slow down your selection process. We highly encourage you to submit your LOR promptly to improve your chances of acceptance.

2B: When Will I Know If I Was Accepted Into The Program?

After submitting the program application and LOR, and then completing your initial interview with CMSC staff, you will be notified via email of our decision within 3 days of the interview. If you are accepted, you will be instructed on how to pay your program fees, which will be due no later than 5 days after receiving your acceptance email. Our final deadline for making selection decisions for the Fall 2024 and Winter 2025 IDSAP is 15 days after the application deadline or when we reach capacity, whichever comes first.

2C: If I Don’t Get Selected, Will You Be Offering Other Dreamers Study Abroad Opportunities In The Near Future That I Can Apply To?

Yes. Anyone not selected will be considered for future programs and will be kept informed of other study abroad programs that we host or in collaboration with different organizations, colleges and universities. Subscribe to our newsletter “El Magonista” to find out about future program opportunities.

2D: I Have Applied To One Of Your Programs Before, Do I Need To Re-Apply Again And Re-Send A Letter Of Recommendation?

Yes, you do have to reapply and submit a new online application and submit a new Letter of Recommendation in order to be considered for an interview. 

2E: I Applied, But Haven’t Received Any Information From The Program. What Should I Do?

If you do not receive an email within 5 days after applying, check your spam or send us an email to: records@calmexcenter.org

3.PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS: 

3A: By When Do We Have To Pay The $4,000 Program Fee, the Advance Parole Fee and What Does It Cover?

Selected participants will be required to pay a Program fee of $4,000 to the CMSC and their Advance Parole application fee to USCIS in the amount of $630 in the following manner:

After your interview and when you receive an email notifying you of our selection decision to accept you into the Fall 2024 and Winter 2025 IDSAP. If you are accepted into the program, you will have 5 days to accept and submit your $4,000 program fee payment in the following manner: 

• Option one: Pay the one-time full amount and receive an immediate $400 discount. This means the participant will only pay $3,600, if paid within 5 days of being accepted and before scheduling their Advance Parole application appointment. 
• Option two: The participant will make two payment installments, with the first installment being due within 5 days of acceptance in the amount of $2,000 and a 2nd installment payment of $2,000 that will be due 3 weeks later from the first payment.  

Lastly, you will then need to schedule your Advance Parole appointment with one of the CMSC advisors and you will need to have a money order in the amount of $630 to pay for the Advance Parole Travel Permit fee, payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security by the participant, at the time of sending the I-131 application to USCIS.

Program fees cover: 

• Advance Parole application preparation and filing assistance will be done with the participant and CMSC staff collaboratively, and the CMSC’s format of the application must be followed in order for the CMSC to properly advocate for the approval of your application and legal consultation will be provided as needed.

• CMSC faculty will provide lectures on Mexican history and culture, Chicano and Mexican Diaspora Studie.
• All housing in hotel rooms, meals, and local transportation during the academic program designed for each participant. 
• During independent travel, all housing, meals, transportation and COVID-19 test prior to arriving at the Hotel in Mexico City for the academic program are covered by the participant. 
• The CMSC provides insurance coverage for emergencies and/or medical referral assistance throughout the IDSAP program, including during independent travel in  Mexico. 
• Additional travel insurance policy self-coverage while in Mexico, is available for an additional cost during each IDSAP program session. 
• Referral to a Psychological Counseling and/or a group therapy session will be provided as needed to abate fear, anxiety, and panic attacks.
• Local transportation and to the airport for US return flights.
• Lawful CBP re-entry into the U.S. at LAX, will be arranged by the CMSC.
• A chance for Dreamers to visit their birthplace, conduct family ethnographic research, and discover Mexico independently.
• Note: All participants must have at least $1,000 available to cover the costs of 7 to 10 days for medical services, housing and meals costs at an Airbnb rental if a COVID infection prevents the participant from returning to the U.S. with its return flight.

3C: Are There Any Fee-Waivers Or Additional Grants/Scholarships That We Can Apply To?

There are no CMSC fee-waivers or scholarship funds to pay for the program at this time. Selected participants will have to solicit, fundraise, or secure funding on their own or procure funds through their university or college.

3D: Will Students Be Able To Travel Independently And Visit Their Birthplace Or Discover Mexico? If So, For How Long?

Yes. The program has been designed to give participants the unique opportunity to conduct independent travel and ethnographic research on their family origins, which will allow them to visit their family and birthplace prior to beginning their respective academic program in a Mexico City hotel. 

For those not from Mexico, you will have the option to travel to your country of origin, and then participate in our program in Mexico and then return to the US via flight from Mexico City to Los Angeles, CA (LAX) airport. For those from another country of origin and they cannot return to their home country, they can go to Mexico before our program and explore Mexico, or simply arrive for the days of the program in Mexico and then return to the US from Mexico City to Los Angeles, CA (LAX) airport.

All independent travel airfare and expenses will be covered by the participant. Please keep in mind that while participants can leave the U.S. as early as the proposed October 15, 2024 or December 1, 2024, start dates for the Fall 2024 and Winter 2025 programs, respectively, they are not required to do so. Travel plans will be custom designed by each participant, individually or as part of a small-group scheduled by the CMSC or a sponsor group or college/university. The CMSC will assist participants that want recommendations for planning and budgeting their independent travel.

3E: Do Participants Have To Fly Out From L.A. To Mexico?

No. Participants can take a direct flight from anywhere in the U.S. to their destination in Mexico to do their independent travel and ethnographic research.  However, all participants are required to return with pre-arranged travel individually or as a group by the CMSC with other participants to the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) from Mexico City at a designated return date. Group flights will be coordinated by the CMSC’s travel agent, and direct airfare payments will be made to the travel agent by the participant. 

3F: Can I Travel To Other Countries During The Independent Family Travel?

If you are a Dreamer from another country other than Mexico, you can travel to your country of origin during the designated independent/family visitation days. You are also still expected to arrive in Mexico for the duration of the academic program required by the CMSC. You will either return by plane on your own or travel with a small group of other participants of the IDSAP to the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) from Mexico City on your designated return date. Group flights will be coordinated by the CMSC’s travel agent, and direct airfare payments will be made to the travel agent by the participant. 

Additional details on how to apply for advance parole to visit more than one country will be discussed on an individual basis after you have been accepted to the program. The participant will assume all additional costs to travel to other countries.

3G: May I Return Before or After The Program Is Over?

No, Advance Parole permits are issued for specific dates, therefore in order to secure a successful return, it is a program policy that you return to the U.S. as a group on your scheduled return date.  

Participants will only be allowed to return prior to the end of the program in the event of an emergency. However, participants will not receive a refund for the days of the program on which they did not participate. Participants will only be granted permission to stay longer than their program date in the event of a medical emergency, such as having COVID-19, in which case the participant would need to stay in Mexico at their own expense until they are cleared to travel again, per the CDC and FAA regulations.

3H: Didn’t the airlines stop requiring a negative COVID-19 test and COVID-19 vaccine and wearing a facemask to travel?  

The CDC and FAA regulations can change overnight, and we are staying on top of new requirements and protocols to ensure your successful return. While the rules may be different from country to country, in Mexico a facemask and negative COVID-19 test declaration is no longer required by the airlines at the Mexico City airport. 

In order to reduce the chances of exposure to COVID-19, it is a CMSC requirement that all participants be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and receive a booster within 3 months of departure to Mexico. However, we encourage all participants to be prepared to wear a KN95 or N95 facemask, and all participants must comply with taking two COVID-19 tests: one in the U.S. before departure, and one two days before arriving at the Mexico City hotel where the participants will be housed. There are absolutely NO EXCEPTIONS. 

3I: How Can I Help to Take This Kind Of Program To Other Campuses To Benefit Other Dreamers?

Please apply, if selected, by the end of the program, you will be fully prepared to implement or assist in the development of similar programs. Furthermore, as part of the CMSC network, you will cultivate a network of resources, and support to launch a similar program.

4. ADVANCE PAROLE APPLICATION PROCESS & TRAVEL SAFETY:

4A: Do I Have To File For Advance Parole Prior To Applying To Your Program?

No, you don’t have to apply for Advance Parole prior to applying to our program. Once selected, participants will be instructed on how to apply for Advance Parole under the supervision and guidance of CMSC staff and attorney consultation as needed. Participants must follow the format of the application that is given to them by CMSC staff in order for the CMSC to advocate for your Advance Parole approval. This format includes all supporting letters and documents to complete the application and explain your educational purpose of travel.

4B: Will I Receive Supporting Paperwork About The Program To Include With My Advance Parole Application?

Yes. The CMSC will provide ALL supporting documentation and guidance to prepare and complete the Advance Parole applications that are specific to this travel-study program as well as guidance in advocacy to ensure your Advance Parole application is approved. The CMSC has a 100% record of applications approval for Advance Parole and 100% return of approximately 750 Dreamers that have participated in 24 DSAP groups since 2014. 

4C: Are We Going To Get Assistance To Apply For Advance Parole?

Yes. The CMSC has worked closely in collaboration with USCIS, CBP and with legal counsel to design a program and process that has had a 100% success rate. Our staff, medical team, and advisors are all trained to facilitate and execute a program that leads to your successful legal and healthy return to the U.S. 

4D: Does The $4,000 Program Fee Include The Advance Parole Application Fee ($630)?

No, the program fee covers Advance Parole application preparation, attorney consultation if needed, filing assistance and advocacy to secure approval of all Advance Parole applications. You must pay $630 for your Advance Parole application fee in a money order or Cashier’s Check, payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security when the participant mails the I-131 application to USCIS.

4E: If My Advance Parole Application Gets Denied, Will Your Organization Refund The Money?

The application fees for Advance Parole may be refunded by USCIS if the application is administratively suspended. But, if the application is processed, regardless of their decision and if it is denied or approved they will keep the fees. All applicants must take full responsibility for the Advance Parole (I-131 Form) application fee and mailing costs, which they pay at their own risk. The CMSC will not refund any fees for applications denied by USCIS, but the CMSC will provide assistance to appeal the Notice of Intent to Deny, which precedes the Letter of Denial, and the CMSC will assist you with advocacy for your Advance Parole application approval.

4F: How Safe Is Traveling/Studying Abroad With Advance Parole? Have There Been Any Problems With Previous Participants Upon Return? 

Since 2014, 25 DSAP groups have been organized by the CMSC, which have provided over 800 Dreamers the opportunity to visit Mexico since Professor Armando Vazquez-Ramos’ pilot program in Spring of 2014. 

The CMSC celebrates a track-record of 100% lawful re-entry and no legal complications to any past participants, all returning to the U.S. through inspection and therefore clearing the prior unlawful entry when they were brought into the country as children. This benefit allows Dreamers to adjust their status and through marriage sponsorship, they receive their permanent visa within 6 months, without having to leave the U.S.

Also, the CMSC provides referrals to psychological therapy sessions to fully prepare the participants for their travel in Mexico and prior to returning to the U.S., to ensure they benefit from a comprehensive educational, cultural, and family reunification that is life-changing.

Also, the CMSC has a close working relationship with over 150 U.S. Representatives and Senators, as well as close ties with Mexico’s Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores (SRE), the U.S. Embassy of Mexico in Washington, D.C., and the General Consulates of Mexico in Los Angeles and San Diego that have previously provided the CMSC with legal assistance and representation.

Moreover, the CMSC provides participants with the required academic documentation that validates and supports their educational Advance Parole applications.  But there has always been a risk factor when traveling with an Advance Parole permit regardless of the Administration in office, since the Advance Parole permit clearly states that reentry into the U.S. is not guaranteed and subject to the discretion of the CBP officer’s inspection at the point of re-entry into the US.

Consequently, if participating Dreamers have any undisclosed previous criminal record, or an outstanding legal issue in their records at the time of re-entry, this may prompt CBP to deny reentry. 

If you have a conviction of a ‘deportable offense’ misdemeanor or felony, or if you have had a deportation order before, we must advise you not to participate in this program. 

Any outstanding citations, misdemeanors, arrests, a pending court appearance, or order of deportation could be cause for Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to deny your reentry to the US.

Even if you have an active DACA status and an Advance Parole Permit, it is still up to the discretion of the CBP Officer to let you return to the U.S.

Furthermore, all of the above-mentioned circumstances are likely to appear in CBP’s system at the point of entry.  

Generally speaking, however, participants with active DACA status and no major criminal record should have no problem being allowed back to the U.S. with an educational-purpose Advance Parole authorization through our program.

If you have additional questions, call the CMSC Office at: (562) 430-5541

To return to the Fall 2024 and Winter 2025 Independent Dreamers Study Abroad Programs Application click here.