State officials are worried that the uncertain U.S. immigration climate could discourage undocumented students from applying for financial aid to pay college tuition.
The deadline to apply for the California Dream Act — which allows undocumented students to receive state financial aid and grants — is Friday, March 2, about a week away.
“We believe there has been a concern over the uncertainty of what’s happening at the federal level in reference to DACA and deportations,” said Lupita Cortez Alcalá, executive director of the California Student Aid Commission. “Students are concerned.”
As of Friday, Feb. 23, state data showed that 23,343 students had applied. That’s more than one-third fewer than the 36,130 students who applied last year.
Students who’ve never applied can visit the website, www.caldreamact.org, to determine their eligibility and start their application. They’ll have to answer if they have a social security number and the criteria to qualify for AB 540, the state law that allows undocumented students to receive in-state tuition. Students can also renew or complete a saved application there.
Through the aid, known as Cal Grants, students can receive up to $12,000 per year. The level of funding depends on the colleges they plan to attend.
Cortez Alcalá said there’s a mix of confusion and fear that could deter students from applying.
A common misconception is that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program, which President Donald Trump has moved to end — and whose recipients are often called Dreamers — is the same or somehow linked to the California Dream Act.
It’s not.
Undocumented students don’t need to be part of the DACA program, which provides young immigrants with deportation relief and work permits, to qualify for a public education or state financial aid.
Immigrant students are also afraid that disclosing their personal information could cause their families to be targeted for deportation.
Cortez Alcalá said undocumented students are safe in California.
Applications “come to us, our state agency,” she said. “We only use (their information) to get financial aid eligibility.”
Educators and immigrant-rights organizers are also worried, and have been hosting workshops at high schools to try to get as many seniors as they can to apply.
On Wednesday, Feb. 21, Dianey Murillo, a member of the Inland Empire-Immigrant Youth Collective, was on hand at Ramona High School in Riverside to help any students apply.
“We’re in a crucial time where youth are confused about what’s happening at the national level,” she said. “They question the fact whether they can attend college.”
Eduardo D., a 17-year-old senior who didn’t want to give his last name for privacy reasons, showed up Wednesday.
He wants to study medicine and has applied to nearly 10 state universities. He said he found out about the California Dream Act from his parents, teachers and guidance counselors.
Eduardo said it’s crucial for educators to spread the word about this resource that’s available to students like him. But, it doesn’t just fall on them, he said.
He said oftentimes undocumented students are scared to network and seek help.
“You have to get out there,” he said.
How to apply
Online: The recommended way to apply is through the website, www.caldreamact.org. Those without internet access, can visit a library or a high school or college financial aid office.
On paper: The application can be printed and completed from the website, www.caldreamact.org.
What’s needed: W-2 forms and other 2016 records of income (if one’s parents have any); 2016 income tax return(s) (if parents have one); and if applicable, records of paid child support; current bank statements; current stock, bond, and other investment records; and current business and farm records.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to correct the year from which income tax records are required while applying for financial aid.