Supporting Undocumented Students Jesus Ramirez Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions Dominican University of California Denise Peña Associate Director of Financial Aid Dominican University of California

Agenda 1. Overview & Background 2. Laws affecting Undocumented Students 3. Admissions Process 4. Financial Resources 5. Resources for Undocumented Students 6. Q&A

Background Undocumented Student: [uhn-dok-yuh-men-tid stood-nt] (noun) a foreign national who: (1) entered the United States without inspection or with fraudulent documents; or (2) entered legally as a nonimmigrant but then violated the terms of his or her status and remained in the United States without authorization (as defined by the National Immigration Law Center) see also: DREAMer

The Numbers

Background Legislation Plyler vs. Doe - In 1982, this Supreme Court ruling determined that a K-12 education is a fundamental and protected right and will be provided to all children in the United States, regardless of citizenship or residency status. Family Educational and Privacy Act (FERPA) – This federal law protects the privacy of student records at educational institutions, including elementary and secondary schools, colleges, and universities.

AB540 AB 540 is a California state law that allows qualified undocumented students to pay in-state tuition instead of out-of-state tuition at California’s public higher education institutions. Students who: attended a California high school for three years AND graduated from a California highs school or attained the equivalent of a high school diploma (GED OR CA High School Proficiency Exam) AND register or be currently enrolled at an accredited institution of public higher education AND sign a statement (Affidavit) with the college or university AND not hold a valid non-immigrant visa such as visas F, J, H, and L

AB130 AB131 allows students who meet AB 540 criteria to apply for and receive non-state funded scholarships for public colleges and universities. allows students who meet AB 540 criteria to apply for and receive state-funded financial aid such as institutional grants, community college fee waivers, Cal Grant and Chafee Grant. CA DREAM Act

In State Tuition

Federal DREAM Act The Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act is a bipartisan bill that would create a pathway for the legalization of undocumented students

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Creates new opportunities for about 1.7 million undocumented youth who:  came to the U.S. before the age of 16  have lived in the U.S. continuously for at least five years  have graduated from high school or obtained a GED Qualifying immigrant youth can request a temporary two-year reprieve from deportation and apply for: a work permit, a Social Security Number, temporary lawful presence and a more tangible future in the United States. Unfortunately, this legislation does not qualify eligible students for Federal Financial Aid.

California State University Admissions : Eligibility Index A-G (at least a 2.0) SAT or ACT Service Area : Based on location Deadline: November 30 th AB540 students : Submit Affidavit for each campus immediately after applying

University of California Admissions : A-G (at least a 3.0) SAT or ACT SAT Subject Personal Statement Guarantee Admissions : Eligible students Deadline: November 30 th AB540 students : Citizenship and SSN should be left blank on application Submit Affidavit after being admitted and you commit to University (each UC has its own affidavit )

Independent Universities Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities (AICCU)  76 Schools in California – Western Association of Schools & Colleges (WASC) accredited  Each University functions independently Admissions – No Index  A-G Courses (recommended)  SAT or ACTs  Essay  Letter(s) of Recommendation  Portfolio/Audition  Interview Application Process: Deadlines will vary Early Decision/Action Rolling Admissions Priority Deadlines Application Deadlines AB540 students : CommonApp – Citizenship Status: Other SSN – Leave blank Prepared general AB540 affidavit for each Contact Admissions Counselor

California Community Colleges AB540 Students Student submits affidavit after being admitted and before paying for registration fees The California Community Colleges is the largest system of higher education in the nation, with 2.6 million students attending 112 colleges ( Admissions Apply through cccapply.org Applying in Spanish (about 20 institutions) 18 yrs and older with HS diploma Benefit from education Deadline No Formal deadline Last semester of HS (recommended)

Financial Aid Programs

Financial Resources

The Counselor’s Role Legally, K-12 school personnel cannot inquire about the immigration status of students or their parents. Reach out as early as possible to all students Explain the requirements for federal financial aid Know CA laws regarding undocumented students Let students know there are scholarships available

Resources Dream Act Portal Dream Activist California Dream Network Mexican American Legal Defense Education Fund National Immigration Law Center Pew Hispanic Center Public Policy Institute of California United We Dream Urban Institute Educators for Fair Consideration I.D.E.A.S at UCLA California Student Aid Commission College Board’s Repository of Resources for Undocumented Students Resources-Undocumented-Students_2012.pdf

Thank you Questions and Answers