How Mentors Can Help Undocumented Students Afford College During COVID-19
As a first-generation college student, I could not have navigated the college-going process on my own. Fortunately, I had mentors to help me find answers to the things that confused me about finding money for college.
Whether you’re a mentor at a local Boys & Girls Club or serve as a mentor for a younger family member, I encourage you to remember that you may be the first person your mentee seeks out for information, guidance or encouragement.
The college process is rapidly changing and many first-generation college students, especially undocumented students, may not get timely and accurate information to make informed decisions about their plans beyond high school. In addition to nurturing your mentee’s college dreams, you may also need to help them think through one of the most important decisions in their college-going journey: how to make their college plans affordable.
Before COVID-19, your mentee may have had a bit more access to internet, computer or college advisors. Now, they may face lots of challenges in accessing the tools (especially the internet) or resources needed for completing one of the major sources of financial supports, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (also known as the FAFSA). The FAFSA provides more than $120 billion in grant, work-study, and loan funds each year to help pay for college or career school.
With your advice and experience, you could help your undocumented mentee both emotionally and practically in completing one of the most important steps of their college-going journey.
Here are a few important pieces of advice to keep in mind when helping your mentee navigate the FAFSA application, which is a bit more complicated for undocumented students.
Where Can I Find Helpful Resources?
Visit United We Dream, the largest immigrant youth-led network in the country, for tips and resources: www.unitedwedream.org
What if my mentee doesn’t have an SSN?
New Changes to the FAFSA makes it clear that students can use DACA social security number to complete the FAFSA online; however, for students without a DACA social security number, they would have to complete and submit a paper version of the FAFSA.
Why Should my Undocumented Mentee Complete the FAFSA when he/she isn’t a US citizen?
Some states do not have their own state financial aid applications; however, some private scholarship organizations and private loan providers for undocumented students will be looking to use the information on the FAFSA to determine your undocumented mentee’s eligibility. And unfortunately, if your mentee does not complete the FAFSA, he or she could be limiting the amount of potential money for college costs.
As your mentee goes through the process of completing the FAFSA, he or she may have the following questions:
1. Q: What is meant by the term “legal resident”?
A: The term “legal resident” simply means the place where your mentee has lived. This term is not referring to your mentee’s undocumented status.
2. Q: How should I answer the question: “Are you a U.S. citizen?
A: When you get to this question, for undocumented students, you should answer: “No, I am not a citizen or eligible non-citizen.” However, once the FAFSA is submit, the school will ask for your mentee’s alien number.
3. Q: The FAFSA is asking that my parent includes a social security number. What if my parent does not have one?
4. A: If your parent does not have a social security number, you will enter nine zeroes. Your parent may use an ITIN to pay taxes; however, this is NOT to be entered into the FAFSA as a social security number.
5. Q: The FAFSA is asking whether my parents filed an income tax return. What should I do?
A: If your mentee’s parent did not and will not file taxes, have your mentee select the option: “will not file.”
6. Q: If my parent is undocumented with no social security number, can I submit my FAFSA online?
A: No! If your mentee is considered a dependent student and has undocumented parents with no social security number, your mentee would need to print the signature page, sign it and mail it to the address listed on the FAFSA application.
To learn more, please join me for a free virtual FAFSA 101 workshop on Tuesday, September 22nd between 3:00pm — 4:00pm (EDT). Nearly 100 slots are available. RSVP today by clicking here or by visiting this link.
