Apply for DACA

An undocumented student surfs the net to understand the DACA program

Photo by Jordan Abeyta

An undocumented student is researching more information about DACA to see if it's a good or bad choice for him. The issue is that he has to do all this extra work if he wants to pursue his education and try to get a job. What is unfortunate is that this is not a path to citizenship. It is just a permit that allows him to obtain a social security number and pay in-state tuition. These students have been here their whole life and do not know anything different; they should be able to make a living where they belong.

How is it to Apply to College when you are Undocumented?

by Jordan Abeyta

Being Undocumented when it comes to applying for college can be very difficult as Perez, Espinoza, Ramos, Coronado, and Cortes state: "They are not eligible for most scholarships, do not qualify for any form of government-sponsored financial assistance, are not eligible to apply for a driver's license, are legally barred from formal employment, and may be deported at any time." (150). Since undocumented students are not eligible for financial aid and do not qualify for most of the available scholarships, they are not mainly motivated about going to college. The possibility of obtaining a loan is also remote because even if they find a lender, they don't know if they will be able to work and pay it later on. In Colorado, the only advantage that they get that is similar to the U.S. citizen students is that they receive in-state tuition, but that is not the case in every state. As of July 2013, sixteen states: California, Texas, New York, Utah, Washington, Oklahoma, Illinois, Kansas, New Mexico, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Maryland, Connecticut, Colorado, New Jersey, Minnesota, Oregon, and Florida allow unauthorized migrants to qualify for in-state tuition rates if they meet specific requirements (Banks 1429). Many of these states are trying to make it easier for students to get an education with in-state tuition without going against federal law. Would you please support United We Dream? Go to www.unitedwedream.org to help make things change.