Undocumented Students and Financial Aid
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Here is an exchange that may be of interest to some of you in this discussion.
Forrest Chisman
Forrest,
I was wondering about the show-stopper...what to do about undocumented students and financial aid. Forrest...are you going to say something about that by the end of the day?
Cynthia Zafft
Cynthia,
I wish I knew WHAT to say. They're not eligible for Pell Grants or state aid in any state I know, although I suspect some slip in through false ID's and "don't ask/don't tell" policies. A few colleges have a few "scholarships" for them. That's all I know. Do you know more?
Forrest
They get in-state tuition in some states...somewhat of a help if you are at community college...and, some colleges have student support funds that pay for programs (e.g., one free course after finishing a transition component). Some community foundations and giving circles have flexible scholarship funds...but, as you say, the picture is not good. AccessEd, the Women in Government publication just came out today. Here is what they had to say:
"Existing federal law pertaining to in-state tuition for undocumented students is ambiguous, and Congress has repeatedly failed to pass a measure such as the DREAM Act that would support states' rights to offer in-state tuition to these students. As to the future, the new administration and Congress should be more favorable toward passing federal legislation that would clarify states' rights to offer in-state tuition benefits to undocumented students. If Congress fails to enact such legislation, it is highly unlikely that educational opportunities for undocumented students will improve." (AccessED, Women in Government, Winter 2009)
Not an uplifting message.
Cynthia Zafft
