The Top 11 FAQs From Undocumented Immigrants on Reddit

Every day, thousands of undocumented immigrants turn to Reddit to ask questions, but finding reliable answers can be a challenge. Whether you entered the country through unauthorized pathways, overstayed a visa, or received DACA, navigating the U.S. immigration system is complex and stressful. 

That’s where we come in.

We’ve compiled a list of the top 11 most frequently asked questions from undocumented immigrants on Reddit, along with clear answers you can trust.

Click on any of the questions below to jump to their answers:

1. How can I obtain legal status in the U.S. as an undocumented immigrant?
2. Do undocumented immigrants have constitutional rights?
3. Can undocumented immigrants legally work in the U.S.?
4. Can U.S. employers hire undocumented workers?
5. How do you file taxes as an undocumented immigrant?
6. Can undocumented immigrants get driver’s licenses in the U.S.?
7. What forms of identification can undocumented immigrants use to fly domestically?
8. What does it mean to “self-deport?”
9. How can DACA recipients receive healthcare?
10. Can DACA recipients still renew protections amid legal challenges?
11. I’m a DACA recipient with a pending green card application. My DACA status expires next year. Should I renew my DACA while I’m waiting for my green card approval?

Disclaimer: The information on this page is not legal advice. Click here to learn more about Boundless Immigration’s lawyer-guided services.

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#1: How can I obtain legal status in the U.S. as an undocumented immigrant?

If you’re an undocumented immigrant, obtaining legal status in the U.S. is possible, but complex. Your success depends on several factors, including your immigration history and your eligibility for relief options. Some common pathways include:

• Family-Based Immigration: If you have a spouse, parent, or child (over 21) who is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder), you may be eligible for a family-sponsored green card. However, if you entered the U.S. unlawfully, you might need to apply for a waiver of inadmissibility or go through consular processing in your home country.
• Employment-Based Immigration: Some undocumented individuals may qualify for an employment-based visa if they have an employer willing to sponsor them. However, most employment visas require lawful entry into the U.S., so this option is limited unless you qualify for special programs.
• Asylum or Refugee Status: If you fear persecution in your home country due to race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group, you may be eligible for asylum. Generally, asylum must be applied for within one year of arriving in the U.S., but exceptions exist.
• Special Immigration Programs: Certain groups of undocumented individuals may qualify for legal status under special immigration programs, such as:
  • DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals): Protects undocumented individuals who arrived in the U.S. as children, though it does not provide a direct path to a green card. As of June 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) continues to accept but not process new initial DACA requests, including those from individuals whose DACA expired more than a year ago.
  • Temporary Protected Status (TPS): Available for nationals of certain countries experiencing war, natural disasters, or other extreme conditions.
  • U Visa or T Visa: For victims of crime (U Visa) or human trafficking (T Visa) who cooperate with law enforcement.
• Cancellation of Removal: If you have been in the U.S. for at least 10 years, have good moral character, and can prove that your removal would cause “exceptional and extremely unusual hardship” to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse, child, or parent, you may be eligible for cancellation of removal before an immigration judge.
• Marriage to a U.S. Citizen: Marrying a U.S. citizen may provide a pathway to a green card, but if you entered unlawfully, you might need a waiver and consular processing outside the U.S. before reentering legally. See also: Can I Sponsor My Undocumented Spouse’s Green Card?
• Registry: If you have been continuously living in the U.S. since before January 1, 1972, you may qualify for a green card under a process known as “registry,” even if you are undocumented.

Since immigration laws are complex and subject to change, it’s a good idea that you speak with a qualified immigration attorney or an accredited legal service provider. They can evaluate your options based on your unique circumstances and help you navigate the process.

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#2: Do undocumented immigrants have constitutional rights?

Yes. While undocumented immigrants are not U.S. citizens, they do have constitutional rights under the 5th and 14th Amendments, which guarantee due process and equal protection under the law. This means they have rights like freedom of speech, protection against unlawful searches and seizures, and access to legal counsel in criminal cases (among other rights). However, their rights are more limited in some areas, such as eligibility for federal benefits or the ability to re-enter the U.S. after deportation.

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#3: Can undocumented immigrants legally work in the U.S.?

Undocumented immigrants are generally not authorized to work for U.S. employers, as federal law requires all employees to complete Form I-9 to verify work eligibility. However, some undocumented immigrants may qualify for work authorization through specific programs like Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). DACA recipients can apply for employment authorization from USCIS if they demonstrate economic necessity. While DACA provides temporary protection from deportation and work authorization, it does not grant lawful immigration status.

For those who do not qualify for work authorization, entrepreneurship offers a legal alternative. U.S. law does not explicitly prohibit undocumented immigrants from working as independent contractors or starting their own businesses. They can register a business and obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), allowing them to operate legally as business owners or freelancers and pay taxes. Some state and local programs also provide resources to support undocumented entrepreneurs. However, working as an independent contractor may come with risks, often exposing undocumented workers to exploitation and unsafe working conditions due to limited legal protections and oversight.

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#4: Can U.S. employers hire undocumented workers?

By law, employers cannot knowingly hire undocumented workers, as all employees must complete Form I-9 to verify their work eligibility. However, the situation can be more nuanced. Some undocumented individuals may present fraudulent but realistic-looking documents, and in such cases, employers are only required to examine these documents to determine if they reasonably appear to be genuine. If an employer unknowingly hires an undocumented worker due to falsified documents, they are not necessarily committing a crime, though legal risks still exist.

Additionally, independent contractors operate under different rules. Unlike traditional employees, businesses hiring independent contractors are not required to ask about their immigration status or complete Form I-9. This means companies may legally work with undocumented contractors without violating federal hiring laws. However, hiring undocumented individuals — whether knowingly or unknowingly — can still have legal consequences.

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#5: How do you file taxes as an undocumented immigrant?

The IRS requires all individuals earning income in the U.S. to file taxes, regardless of immigration status. While some undocumented immigrants like DACA recipients may file their taxes using a Social Security number (SSN), many undocumented immigrants file using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). To file, immigrants must complete Form 1040 and report their income, deductions, and credits. Filing taxes can help immigrants establish a record of good moral character, which may be beneficial for future immigration applications. Free tax assistance is available through programs like VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) for those who need help navigating the process.

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#6: Can undocumented immigrants get driver’s licenses in the U.S.?

Yes, undocumented immigrants can get a driver’s license in some parts of the United States, but not everywhere. As of June 2025, 19 states and Washington D.C. allow undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses:

• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Minnesota
• Nevada
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• Oregon
• Rhode Island
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• Washington D.C.

The types of licenses available to undocumented immigrants vary by state:

• Unrestricted licenses: These are the same as licenses issued to U.S. citizens. Only New Mexico and Washington State offer these.
• Driving-privilege only licenses: These allow legal driving but cannot be used as state or federal ID.
• Driving-privilege licenses with state ID: These provide driving rights and serve as valid state identification.

In addition, while each state has its own requirements for undocumented immigrants to obtain a driver’s license, they generally include:

• Proof of identity (e.g., foreign passport, consular card)
• Evidence of state residency
• Passing driving knowledge and skills tests

It’s important to note that these licenses are often not compliant with the federal REAL ID Act, meaning they cannot be used for federal purposes such as boarding flights or entering federal facilities.

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#7: What forms of identification can undocumented immigrants use to fly domestically?

As of May 7, 2025, all travelers must present REAL ID-compliant identification for domestic flights. Undocumented individuals who cannot obtain REAL IDs from their state of residence can use alternative forms of REAL ID-compliant identification, including unexpired foreign passports, Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), tribal ID cards, or trusted traveler cards like NEXUS and SENTRI.

If you’re undocumented and wish to travel domestically by plane, it’s a good idea to consult an immigration attorney before doing so. As the Trump administration continues its immigration crackdown, traveling through airport security could carry more risks.

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#8: What does it mean to “self-deport?”

The term “self-deportation” refers to the voluntary departure of individuals from a country where they lack legal status, often under pressure from policies or conditions that make staying untenable. This concept is tied to immigration enforcement strategies aimed at encouraging people to leave on their own rather than undergoing formal deportation proceedings.

In recent months, the Trump administration has emphasized self-deportation through tools like the CBP Home app, which allows undocumented immigrants to declare their intent to leave voluntarily.

If you’re considering self-deportation, it may be helpful to first consult a qualified immigration attorney. They can help you understand your options and recommend the best course of action for your circumstances.

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#9: How can DACA recipients receive healthcare?

As of June 2025, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients are not eligible for Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid in most states. In addition, the Trump administration recently proposed a new rule that would block health insurance access for DACA recipients, claiming that they don’t meet the “lawfully present” standard set by Congress. However, they currently still have healthcare options:

• Employer-Sponsored Insurance: If employed, DACA recipients can access insurance through their job.
• State Programs: Some states (like California and New York) offer Medicaid or state-based health plans regardless of immigration status.
• Community Health Clinics: Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) offer low-cost or sliding-scale care.
• Private Insurance: DACA recipients can purchase private insurance directly from providers, though it can be expensive.

Healthcare access for DACA recipients varies by location, so check your state’s policies for immigrant health coverage.

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#10: Can DACA Recipients Still Renew Protections Amid Legal Challenges?

Yes, DACA recipients can continue renewing their protections despite ongoing legal challenges. On January 17, 2025, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled certain aspects of the DACA program unlawful but allowed renewals to continue while further proceedings take place. Although new DACA applications are not being accepted, individuals who currently hold DACA or whose status expired within the past year can still apply for renewal. USCIS is processing renewal applications unless future court decisions or policy changes alter the program’s status.

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#11: I’m a DACA recipient with a pending green card application. My DACA status expires next year. Should I renew my DACA while I’m waiting for my green card approval?

Yes. It’s a good idea to maintain your DACA status while your green card application is pending. Renewing your DACA status provides you with continued protection in case your green card application is delayed or denied. USCIS recommends submitting DACA renewal requests 120 to 150 days (4 to 5 months) before the expiration date listed on the current Form I-797 DACA approval notice and Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

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