Advising

Undocumented
Students
There are an estimated 65,000 undocumented students children born abroad who
arent U.S. citizens or legal residents who graduate from U.S. high schools each year.
These children are guaranteed an education in U.S. public schools through grade 12,
but they may face financial barriers to higher education.

The Counselors Role

Legally, K12 school personnel cant inquire about the immigration status of students
or their parents. Therefore, you may learn that a student is undocumented only if the
student chooses to share this information. Undocumented students may not even be aware
of their legal status.

What you can do:

Reach out as early as possible, even in ninth grade, to all students, and encourage
them to envision themselves as college material, explore career options, and prepare
academically for college. Let students know that undocumented status is not a legal
bar to attending a U.S. college.

Explain the requirements for federal financial aid when discussing financial aid
at parent meetings or other group sessions: recipients must be U.S. citizens or legal
residents. You can explain financial aid policies and options to parents and students
without asking about their immigration status.

Know your states laws regarding undocumented students and stay up to date on
changes in these laws. (Get more information on state laws at the websites listed below.)

Let students know there are scholarships available to undocumented students.

HELPFUL WEBSITES:
U.S. Department of Education Resource Guide Supporting Undocumented Youth:
ed.gov/about/overview/focus/supporting-undocumented-youth.pdf
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA): uscis.gov/humanitarian/consideration
deferred-action-childhood-arrivals-daca
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services: uscis.gov/
Repository of Resources for Undocumented Students: professionals.collegeboard.com/
profdownload/Repository-Resources-Undocumented-Students_2012.pdf

2016 The College Board.

00257-010