1 Working with Undocumented StudentsEssentials of Professional Development Fort Bend ISD October 2016 Ann Marano College Bound Advisor, Irma L. Rangel YWLS Good morning
2 THANK YOU Tania Johnson-Rachkoskie NACAC Director of Education and Training Crystal Newby NACAC Assistant Director of Education and Training Aliza J. Gilbert College Counselor, Highland Park HS (Illinois) Jessica A. Quintana Hess Director of Admissions Lycoming College
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4 Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership SchoolPart of the Young Women’s Preparatory Network Public magnet school in Dallas ISD 560 young women in grades 6 through 12 70 Seniors in the Class of 2017/2021 90% Pell Grant Eligible 96% Underrepresented 85% First Generation 10% Dreamer/DACAmented Undocumented population has varied between 10 to 25% each year
5 Language and TerminologyUndocumented – Lacking appropriate documentation to establish permanent residency Technically DACA students are still undocumented Unauthorized – Lacking authorization to be present and/or living in the United States DACAmented – undocumented students with DACA status Dreamers – youth who would benefit from enactment of the U.S. Dream Act Generation 1.5 – Current conversations, especially in research Illegals – Dehumanizing and demonizing term
6 Who is undocumented? Any individual currently in the United States who: Entered without inspection Entered with false documents Entered on a legal visa but the visa has since expired
7 Who are our undocumented students?Students who immigrated recently with parents and all are undocumented Students who immigrated recently without parents and are here with “guardians” (Homeless assessment as needed) Students who immigrated recently unaccompanied to reunite with parents Students who immigrated at a very early age with parents and all are undocumented (Dreamers)
8 Why are we talking about this?Many undocumented students experience discrimination and prejudice from high school and college faculty and staff, either due to ignorance or personal biases (Castro-Salazar & Bagley, 2010; Pérez, Cortés et al., 2010) Teachers and Counselors are often not the primary source of college information (Muñoz, 2008) Students who suceed in higher education credit high school and college agents for their encouragement and guidance (Abrego & Gonzales, 2010: Perez Huber & Malagon 2007)
9 The undocumented student experienceThe psychological impacts of immigration status: Constant fear of deportation Secrecy and trust Higher levels of stress due to financial barriers Anxiety about the future Depression, substance use/abuse and suicidal ideation Dra. Aurora Chang, Ph.D & Padraic Stanley, MSW Share the Dream Conference 2015
10 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)On June 15, 2012, the Secretary of Homeland Security announced that certain people who came to the United States as children and meet several guidelines may request consideration of deferred action for a period of two years, subject to renewal. They are also eligible for work authorization. Deferred action is a use of prosecutorial discretion to defer removal action against an individual for a certain period of time. Deferred action does not provide lawful status. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
11 DACA Details Formal Application with supporting documentation requiredProtects from deportation (2 years and can be renewed) Allows recipient to obtain a work permit, a social security number and driver’s license (in some states – Texas allows) IS NOT a pathway to citizenship or permanent residency DOES NOT make students eligible for federal financial aid Can be cost prohibitive – just under $500 Difficult to navigate forms – take advantage of support through Catholic Charities or other non profits North Texas Dream Team conducts workshops and referrals
12 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals(DACA)Arrived in the United States before reaching 16th birthday Continuously resided in the U.S. since June 15, 2007, up to the present time Under age 31 as of June 15, 2012 Never had a lawful immigration status on/before June 15, 2012 or lawful immigration or parole status that expired as of June 15, 2012 Currently in school, have graduated or obtained certificate of completion from high school, earned GED or are an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States No felony, significant misdemeanor or 3 or more misdemeanors and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety Physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012 and at the time of making request for consideration of deferred action U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
13 Postsecondary ContextFewer than 10% of undocumented students attend college immediately after high school (Gonzales, 2007) Fewer than half of all undocumented adults ages 18 – 24 with a high school degree have attended any college (Passel & Cohn, 2009) Most undocumented students who pursue higher ed will enroll in a community college due to cost (Abrego 2008, Castro-Salazar & Bagley 2010, Perez huber & Malagon 2007)
14 K-16 Educational OpportunitiesPlyler v.Doe (1982) grants undocumented students the right to a K-12 education Right does not extend to post-secondary education No federal law specifically prohibits undocumented students from attending a public college or university Private colleges have the right to admit or deny any student State legislation and policies both support and restrict access
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16 Things to consider when choosing a collegeFriendly versus unfriendly states Travel restrictions Campus climate Knowledgeable admission staff Support on campus (student activities, residence life, counseling & career services) College costs and aid opportunities Don’t just assume community college is the only option
17 Challenges completing applicationsRequest for social security number Citizenship question Paying application fee and/or fee waivers Dilemma regarding disclosure of undocumented status Some colleges assign international status
18 Challenges applying for financial aid and scholarshipsUncertainty regarding form completion - CSS Profile (some private colleges) - Institutional Forms - Paper FAFSA (per college direction) - TASFA (Texas Application for State Financial Aid) Confusion regarding institutional policies on aid and eligibility for merit scholarships
19 Texas Senate Bill 1528 (Noriega Bill / House Bill 1403)Applies to public universities and colleges in Texas and many private institutions Qualifies undocumented students for Texas resident tuition AND state financial aid if they meet all of the following criteria Graduated from a Texas high school or received GED in Texas Resided in Texas 36 months leading up to high school graduation or receipt of GED Resided in Texas 12 months prior to college enrollment Student provides Affidavit stating s/he will apply to become a permanent resident at earliest opportunity s/he is eligible to do so Use Apply Texas Some students may need to apply through International Admissions Office depending on residency history (but can be classified in-state tuition based on SB1528)
20 Apply Texas www.applytexas.orgUsed to apply to all public institutions and many private institutions in Texas Student should select “U.S. Freshman” Use zeroes for SSN: DACA students may list SSN per college direction Answer truthfully about country of birth, citizenship and visa status Questions are asked to determine Texas Residency (SB 1528) for admission and tuition/fee purposes
21 Common Application Used by over 600 different colleges and universities DACA students select “Other” for citizenship status Select "I do not hold a current valid U.S. non-immigrant" from the "Currently held United States visa" selection No other fields will be required Non-DACA student select “Other” for citizenship status and list country of citizenship All students should inform each college of their status Work closely with admission counselor at each college Disclose to maximize on aid and to ensure student is not considered an international student ---- Good to research policies on dreamer students before applying
22 TASFA (Texas Application for State Financial Aid)Students who meet the requirements for SB 1528 are eligible for state financial aid ONLY TEXAS Grant Texas Educational Opportunity Grant Program Texas Public Educational Grant Application available online at Students must submit parent and student (if applicable) income tax information
23 TASFA Paper TASFA should be sent to the financial aid office with supporting documentation (usually copies of the income tax return or income tax transcript) Student should meet priority financial aid deadlines DACA students should provide SSN – Do not use ITIN Parent citizenship status does not impact student ability to be awarded Texas state and institutional aid
24 FASFA: Free Application for Federal Student AidDACA students may file the FAFSA online but should only do so if a college directs them too Some colleges will accept a paper FAFSA This does not qualify student for federal financial aid Is used to determine eligibility for institutional financial aid Student should provide SSN, not ITIN
25 CSS PROFILE Required by some colleges and universities (mostly private) Used to determine eligibility for institutional financial aid Sponsored by the College Board Fee is charged (waivers are available) https://student.collegeboard.org/css-financial-aid-profile DACA should use SSN and others may enter
26 Scholarships Undocumented students are eligibleThe criteria are determined by scholarship donor or funding agency Verify eligibility criteria Requirements for university and college scholarship programs vary Just because application says SSN or US Citizen or Permanent Resident required it may not be – educate organizations and agencies
27 Role of school counselorOutreach to teachers, other students, alumni, parents Create opportunities for students to self-disclose status Revise presentations to include all terms: citizens, permanent residents, undocumented students Post Dreamer friendly information Get out the message that college is possible Include relevant information in all printed materials Educate all faculty, staff and other stakeholders that undocumented students can go to college Help students research college admission and financial aid policies and opportunities Stay updated regarding college admission and financial aid landscape for undocumented students Support dreamer clubs on campus National educator coming out day
28 Ann Marano [email protected] @CollegeBoundTx