Support for Students Who are Undocumented
Can students who are undocumented still attend college?
Yes. Students may attend college or university in Texas as long as they apply and are accepted/admitted. They may also avoid paying out-of-state tuition by meeting the residency requirement of Texas Senate Bill (SB) 1528.
What Financial Aid support is available to students who are undocumented?
If you are not eligible to complete the FAFSA because of citizenship or visa status but are eligible to be classified as a Texas resident for tuition purposes, you may be eligible under SB 1528 to apply for state financial aid through the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA). The TASFA deadline is March 15. Application packets are available by contacting the Financial Aid Office.
| Title | Downloads |
|---|---|
| TASFA Assistance: Info Session (October 4, 2021) | Audio | Video |
| Note: This video was recorded on October 4, 2021 to assist students fill out their 2022-2023 TASFA application. It is available here to help qualified students prepare for completing their next TASFA application but should not be relied on for determining qualifications or availability of aid. |
Due to recent and ongoing changes to federal immigration policies, anyone needing guidance on programs such as the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act (DREAM Act), and Deferred Action for Parents of Americans (DAPA), the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) should review the latest information at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website and consult with a qualified immigration professional. Additional helpful information may also be found at the Humanitarian section of the USCIS website.
Here is a list of organizations that may provide assistance with immigration processes and policies:
- La Union del Pueblo Entero (LUPE)
- Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA)
- Equal Justice Center
- Informed Immigrant
You may reach out to organizations and/or individuals recognized and accredited by the Department of Justice to assist in immigration proceedings and that must comply with the Code of Federal Regulations, 8 C.F.R.§ 1292.1-1292.20.
Who can you reach out to at UTRGV?
| Name | Title | |
|---|---|---|
| Ismael Amaya | Dean of Students | ismael.amaya@utrgv.edu |
| Jodie Dominguez | Student Wellness and Support | jodie.dominguez@utrgv.edu |
Resources
Local Organizations
- LUPE – La Unión Del Pueblo Entero
- Teach for America
- Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights
- Angry Tias & Abuelas
- Humanitarian Assistance for Asylum Seekers — Team Brownsville
- U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Mexico (Matamoros)
National Organizations
- United We Dream
- NILC (National immigration Law Center)
- RAICES (Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services)
- UnidosUS
- Home is Here
- My Undocumented Life (Up-to-date information & resources for undocumented immigrants)
- ACE (American Council on Education)
- FWD.US
- MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund)
- LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens)
- TheDream.us National Scholarship
- U.S. Department of Education
- Resource Guide-Supporting Undocumented Youth
- Dear Colleagues re: DACA
- Educational Resources for Immigrants, Refugees, Asylees, and other New Americans
- Financial Aid (FAFSA) and Undocumented Students (UnderstandingFAFSA.org, website not part of DoE)
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
- Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
- Community for Accredited Online Schools