Financial aid is a system that undocumented students nationwide have had difficulties navigating. As they do not qualify for federal aid, they either depend on scholarship or in-state aid. However, this is not a guarantee. At the moment, only 19 states, including California, offer state financial aid to students who meet certain criteria, regardless of their immigration status.

In 2011, the California State Assembly passed the California Dream Act. This allows students who do not qualify for federal financial aid and meet other specific requirements to apply for state financial aid so they can attend participating California colleges, universities and career education programs. Through this act, undocumented California residents have attended state schools without the burden of being titled as international students and paying full-price tuition.

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A year later, former President Barack Obama signed an executive order, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. DACA allows certain individuals who meet the program requirements, such as those who came to the country at a young age, to request a grant of deferred immigration action. Those admitted to the DACA program would be able to renew their grant and are eligible for work authorization and deportation protection.

However, since the authorization of the program, its legality has been debated. In 2020, former President Donald Trump had plans to terminate the DACA program but was blocked by the Supreme Court. However, the plan to terminate the program was later reintroduced in 2021 and has since been executed by Judge Andrew Hanen from the Fifth Circuit Court. Since 2021, DACA has not accepted new applicants. This means that those who were lucky to meet the 15+ age minimum by 2021 are the ones who have DACA, leaving behind those who were not. 

According to the University, they accept anyone regardless of their citizenship status. However, is this support extended when it comes to need-based aid? 

Under the University’s Immigration and DACA Status information regarding financial aid, it states the following:

“USC admission, enrollment and tuition policies are not based on your immigration or DACA status. Your admission and enrollment will not be affected if you do not have, or if you lose your immigration or DACA status. Financial assistance is available for undocumented students who meet California Dream Act requirements or have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status. Please visit the First Generation Plus Success Center for more information.”

This statement excludes out-of-state undocumented students from the conversation, as they do not qualify for AB 540 or DACA at this time. While the University claims that admission and enrollment won’t be impacted if a student lacks or loses their immigration or DACA status, a critical factor in continuing education is financial support. Although admission and enrollment may remain intact, the ability to stay enrolled is jeopardized, as there is no institutionalized financial support for these students who meet either requirement. 

Regarding what the financial aid website states about undocumented students being eligible for need-based aid, they state assistance will be met for those who meet California Dream Act requirements or have DACA. As the California Dream Act is limited to state residents, out-of-state undocumented students cannot access this aid. 

Therefore, the students who were unable to apply are left without any aid, searching for scholarships when it should be on the University to support the students they admit. 

Students can not control their DACA application status or where they were born and resided, and expanding the requirements is something the University must look into. Instead of the University limiting its support for undocumented students at admission, its efforts should be made to support these students financially. The burden for undocumented students extends from a local to federal level, making the limitation of support from the University’s admissions concerning. 

Financial support should not be an issue. For many out-of-state and undocumented students, their acceptance to the University is a reflection of the American dream. Additionally, the possibility of coming to a state and city where undocumented support may seem more substantial than their home state is appealing and encouraging. 

Ensuring students remain at the University should be a priority of our administration. Instead of adding another setback for out-of-state undocumented students, the University should expand its resources to support all admitted students. By doing so, the University can foster an inclusive environment for all undocumented students, not just those who reside in California or were lucky enough to get DACA. It’s not just about admitting students; it’s about ensuring they have the tools and support to succeed and thrive in their academic journey at USC. 

Heydy Vasquez is a junior writing about the lack of support for undocumented students on college campuses. Her column, “Undocu-Tales,” runs every other Friday.