Undocumented Student Support

An undocumented student is a foreign national who: (1) entered the United States without inspection or with fraudulent documents; (2) entered legally as a nonimmigrant but then violated the terms of his or her status and remained in the United States without authorization; (3) has Deferred Action Childhood Arrival (“DACA”) status or has previously had DACA; or (4) is otherwise currently in the process of legalizing. Most undocumented students: Have lived in the United States most of their lives Have learned English Have attended elementary, middle, and high school in the United States Have completed high school and want to pursue a college education Currently lack a way to become legal residents or citizens of the United States -Source:Immigrants Rising, Overview of Undocumented Students, 2020.

Research shows that as of 2017, there are approximately 10.5 million undocumented immigrants residing in the United States (Pew Research Center, 2020). Of that 10.5 million undocumented immigrant population, about 1.3 million are between the ages 18-24 (DHS: Office of Immigration Statistics, 2014). In the state of Michigan, only 7% of the population is considered foreign born, and from that group, approximately 100,000 have been identified as undocumented immigrants (American Immigration Council, 2020). It has also been found that 2% of the children in the entire state who are U.S. citizens live with at least one undocumented family member (American Immigration Council, 2020). According to the American Immigration Council, there are approximately 5,250 active Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) recipients residing in the state of Michigan as of March 2020, while there has been a total of 6, 443 DACA recipients in Michigan since 2012 (2020).

Michigan currnetly has not passed state legislation that provides in-state tuition to undocumented students (ULeadNetwork, 2020). However, the the governing boards (i.e. the Board of Regents) at various public institutions and community colleges have created and adopted institutional policies that provide in-state tuition and financial aid to undocumented and DACA students. On July 18, 2014, the University of Michigan announced a pilot program of need-based funding for undocumented students who qualify for in-state tuition (ULeadNetwork, 2020). Students may qualify for in-state tuition by demonstrating all of the following: (1) you attended an accredited Michigan high school for at least three years and thereafter (a) graduated from an accredited Michigan High School or (b) received a Michigan General Educational Development High School Equivalency Certificate (GED); (2) you attended an accredited Michigan middle or junior high school for the two years preceding high school; and (3) you are commencing your education at the University within forty months of graduating from the Michigan high school or receiving your GED. To establish eligibility by demonstrating attendance at Michigan schools, you must complete the following form truthfully and timely: Application for In-State Tuition on the Basis of Attendance. You do not need to be a legal resident of the State of Michigan or United States to qualify under Part II.

Plyer vs. Doe In 1982, this Supreme Court ruling determined that K-12 education is a fundamental and protected right and will be provided to all children in the United States, regardless of citizenship or residency status. Family Educational and Privacy Act (FERPA) This federal law protects the privacy of student records at educational institutions, including elementary and secondary schools, colleges, and universities. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Announced on June 15, 2012, this policy grants temporary administrative relief from deportation to undocumented young people. Individuals who are granted DACA are considered to be lawfully present in the United States and are eligible for work authorization and a social security number. DACA is a temporary program that can be renewed but falls short of granting undocumented young people a pathway to citizenship. Currently, the Department of Homeland Security is accepting initial and renewal applications. Please encourage students who might be eligible to apply. Below are the eligibility requirements: Are under 31 years of age as of June 15, 2012 Came to the U.S. while under the age of 16 Have continuously resided in the U.S. from June 15, 2007 to the present. Entered the U.S. without inspection or fell out of lawful visa status before June 15, 2012 Were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time of making the request for consideration of deferred action with USCIS Are currently in school, have graduated from high school, have obtained a GED, or have been honorably discharged from the Coast Guard or armed force Have not been convicted of a felony offense, a significant misdemeanor, or more than three misdemeanors of any kind Do not pose a threat to national security or public safety. – Source: USCIS Form I-821D Affordable Care Act (ACA) Unfortunately undocumented immigrants (including DACA recipients) were excluded outright from federal health care reform. Certain states allow DACA recipients to access state based insurance, however Michigan is not one of those states.