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FAFSA: Navigating Financial Aid in a Complex Immigration Landscape
A significant part of Elizabeth House’s responsibilities involves motivating students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application is essential for accessing various forms of financial support, including Pell Grants and government-backed loans. However, the process poses challenges for families without proper immigration documentation, as parents are required to provide Social Security numbers, or in the absence of one, must fill out nine zeros.
For students from mixed-status families, where some members lack the necessary immigration papers, completing the FAFSA has often been perceived as a risky endeavor, potentially exposing their family’s status. Regardless of this concern, House, who serves as the director of school counseling services in Greenville County, South Carolina, strongly advocates for students to proceed with the form. “We encourage them to not let fear determine their future plans,” House stated, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and access to education.
This academic year, however, some college advising organizations are reconsidering their guidance. In light of President-elect Donald Trump’s promises to deport millions of undocumented immigrants and potentially abolish birthright citizenship, there is a growing sense of caution among advisers. They are urging students, especially those with undocumented family members, to reconsider submitting the FAFSA.
In November, the National College Attainment Network (NCAN) issued guidance that advised mixed-status families to be wary about filling out the FAFSA due to concerns over data security amidst the incoming administration’s intentions. The NCAN statement emphasized that while the Higher Education Act is designed to protect the data submitted for federal financial aid, it could not guarantee future protections under a new administration.
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According to NCAN, data protection guarantees may not hold under the pressures of political changes. “Although the Higher Education Act prohibits the use of data for any purpose other than determining and awarding federal financial assistance, at this time NCAN cannot assure mixed-status students and families that their data will remain protected,” highlighted the organization.
This creates a challenging environment for school counselors like House, who worry that such cautionary messages may erode the trust built with immigrant families seeking pathways to higher education. House underscored that even the potential exclusion of a single student from the FAFSA process could yield negative repercussions.
Students who are not authorized to remain in the country are ineligible for federal aid; however, completing the FAFSA remains crucial for access to numerous scholarships. Historically, high school counselors have encouraged these students to file, as some educational institutions offer scholarships irrespective of citizenship status.
The information contained within the FAFSA is safeguarded under the Higher Education Act and the Privacy Act of 1974, which prohibits any immigration enforcement entity from using this data. During a recent press call, officials from the Education Department, speaking about the FAFSA rollout, reiterated President Joe Biden’s commitment to protecting student privacy. “We can’t speak for future policymakers. Students and families need to consider this information and make the choices that are best for them,” a senior official remarked.
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On the other hand, organizations such as ImmSchools advocate for students to utilize the paper version of the FAFSA instead of the online application. The paper form allows students to bypass direct inquiry about Social Security numbers, although they still must input something in that field. Astou Thiane from ImmSchools expressed that given the current administration’s stance on immigration, concerns are understandably heightened among immigrant families.
Trump’s consistent messaging around the intention for mass deportations creates a climate of fear, particularly for families with complex legal statuses. While he has expressed willingness to negotiate solutions for “Dreamers,” his administration has hinted at deporting families en masse, intensifying anxiety surrounding immigration policy.
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The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), representing numerous high school counselors and college advisers, is carefully evaluating the implications surrounding FAFSA completion. David Hawkins from NACAC noted that while anxieties regarding immigration have been longstanding, the current political climate exacerbates fears that FAFSA data could be misused. He remarked, “We cannot guarantee what future administrations may do with this information; however, we don’t want to incite fear without evidence.”
Ultimately, House is convinced that dissuading students from completing the FAFSA could produce more harm than good. School counselors in Greenville remain committed to encouraging all students to pursue FAFSA completion, seeking out scholarships tailored to diverse backgrounds. “We want every organization to foster a supportive environment, helping us connect all our students to available resources,” she concluded.
Source
hechingerreport.org