By the end of this presentation you will know

What it means to be undocumented. If you are undocumented, can you go to college? If you are undocumented, can you apply for financial aid? What is the process of applying for college if you are an undocumented student? What should/can you do with this information?

What does it mean to be undocumented?

You are undocumented if you are not a:
U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident (green card holder) or visa holder, or a processed refugee. *It does not matter what country you are from.

What about students? Many students in High School remain undocumented, despite that they have lived in this country for a significant portion of their lives.

If I am undocumented, can I go to college?

You can go to any college or university in California, if you meet the admissions requirements. You cannot be denied admission based on your immigration status.

California State Law Assisting Undocumented Students

AB540, signed into law on October 12, 2001, authorizes undocumented students to pay instate tuition at Californias public colleges and universities. Just need to meet 3 requirements.

The 3 Requirements

Must have attended a California high school for at least 3 years. No matter in which order. Adult school does not apply.

Must have graduated from a California high school or attained the equivalent (GED), Fill out a tuition exempt form- here you provide proof of the above. In this same paper you sign an affidavit where it states that you will apply for legal residency as soon as you are eligible to do so. *This affidavit is kept confidential by the college/university and by law is not to be shared with BCIS (formerly INS). *The college revises your paperwork and gives you AB 540 status.

The Controversy
In fact, any student is able to apply for AB 540 status, whether documented or not. For example: HS student moves to different state for over a year, then decides that wants to attend Cal State LA. Technically you are not a resident in CA any more, you have two options:
Wait a year to gain residency in CA Or Apply as an AB 540 student.

AB540: The Facts

AB540 does not apply to private colleges and universities. AB540 does not grant legal residency to qualifying students. AB540 does not grant state or federal financial aid eligibility. AB540 only exempts the student from nonresident (out of state) tuition.

What is the process of applying for college for undocumented students?

Talk to your college counselor as early as possible. Ask, ask, ask: College applications, entrance exams, fee waivers, cost of attendance, and available resources for undocumented students. Talk to AB540 College students to get advice about applying to and attending college. Research scholarships and other ways to pay for college. Know that you have a right to higher education but that it is going to take work and dedication on your part.

You can do it!

If I am undocumented, Can I apply for financial aid?

As an undocumented student, you do not qualify for state or federal financial aid.

(*You might be eligible for financial aid if you are in the process of getting your residency.)

How Do I pay For College??

By Feeding Your Pig ! !
Use creative ways to fundraise (i.e. raffles, donations, yard sales, cup cake sales, ect! Apply for scholarships that do not require U.S. citizenship or residency.
Evaluate your personal situation and make decisions based on your needs.

The earlier you start applying for scholarships, the more money you are going to have by the time you graduate and enter your freshman college year.

Organize Bake Sales in your neighborhood, school and church!

Community College (CC)

University of California (UC)

California State University (CSU)

Private University

Budget Cuts
Since 2003 we have lost $511 million in funding This means
overcrowded classes Losing Great Professors Cancellation of classes Increase in tuition Less RAZA attending college

Current Bills that aim to help Undocumented Students

Federal Dream Act California Dream Act

Dream Act (S. 2205)

Was last introduced by Senator Richard Durbin. Would take effect in the whole U.S. because it is a federal bill. Would allow students to apply for residency under certain requirements.
Must have been in the U.S. for at least 5 years and before the age of 15yrs. Attain a high school diploma or GED No Criminal Record Complete 2 years in college or Army

Last introduced on October 18, 2007 On Oct. 24, 2007 it failed to receive votes for consideration.

California Dream Act (SB. 1)

Authored by Senator Gil Cedillo Would take effect only in California Would allow AB 540 students to compete for Cal Grants Bill was Vetoed by the Governator in October,2007

What can you do?

Join The Student Movement

In California: California Dream Network (SURGE is one of the members) C.H.I.R.LA

M.E.Ch.A Connect with other High School AB540 Student Groups Create your own AB540 Student group in your school if one does not already exist.

Scholarship Tips for Undocumented/ AB540 Students

Scholarship providers may require a ss# only for tax purposes. Contact each provider and ask if you may use your tax ID number (ITIN). Scholarship monies are limited. Do not rely heavily on these.

Search within your school, school district and local community.

Find creative ways to fund your education (i.e. ask family members, teachers, local business or large companies) Network. Get to know current AB540 support groups in high school, community and the college you will be attending.

Useful Websites for Scholarships

A.R.E. www.razaeducators.org

CHIRLA

www.chirla.org

MALDEF www.maldef.org SALEF www.salef.org

CARECEN FastWeb.com

Contact S.U.R.G.E. surge@calstatela.edu