Dream Act: Childhood Arrivals

This web page outlines the school district’s  protocol with regard to individuals who qualify for deferred action based on provisions of the Dream Act that went into effect on August 15, 2012. Individuals applying for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) are required to provide documentation of school status. Des Moines Public Schools has designated our Student Records department as the centralized location for individuals to receive school transcripts that meet the documentation guidelines of the application.

Background Information

On June 15, 2012 the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that certain people who came to the United States as children and meet several key guidelines may request consideration of deferred action for a period of two years, subject to renewal, and would then be eligible for work authorization.  Individuals who demonstrate that they meet the guidelines below may request consideration of deferred action for childhood arrivals. DACA guidelines:

1. Were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012;
2. Came to the United States before reaching your 16th birthday;
3. Have continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007, up to the present time;
4. Were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time of making your request for consideration of deferred action with USCIS;
5. Entered without inspection before June 15, 2012, or your lawful immigration status expired as of June 15, 2012;
6. Are currently in school, have graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from high school, have obtained a general education development (GED) certificate, or are an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States; and
7. Have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, three or more other misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.

The district anticipates that families will turn to schools to obtain verifiable documentation of the individual’s presence in the U.S. and their enrollment in school or attainment.  Specifically, there are three requirements for which school records could be requested:

1. To demonstrate that they were present in the United States on June 15, 2012.
2. To demonstrate that they have continuously resided in the U.S. for at least five years prior to June 15, 2012 and were present in the U.S. on June 15, 2012; and
3. To demonstrate that they are currently in school, have graduated from high school, have obtained a general education development (GED) certificate, or are honorably discharged veterans of the U.S. Coast guard or the U.S. Armed Forces.

District Documentation Support

To support current and former DMPS students, the district has established a protocol for individuals to obtain documentation (unofficial school transcript) to complete their DACA application. The district’s Student Records department will be the centralized location for individuals to receive school transcripts that provide the documentation of school status.

Student Records Request Protocol/Information

Individual school locations will not be providing documentation to individuals.  All individuals need to be referred to student records department to ensure correct documentation given to individual and district record of release of information.  This protocol will go in effect as of the date of memo.  Individuals who inquire about the process need to be give the following information on obtaining documentation:

1. Call the DMPS Student Records Department at 515-242-7833, OR
2. Visit/write the DMPS Student Records Department at 2100 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA 50321
3. Cost of Student Transcript:
   • Current Student enrolled in DMPS – no charge
   • Former Student – $10.00 (cash or check only)
   • Student Records Department hours of service are from 8:00-4:00

Additional Information

For more information on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.