Undocumented Students

Each year, tens of thousands of undocumented students graduate from U.S. secondary schools. The 1982 Supreme Court decision Plyer v. Doe requires that public elementary and secondary schools provide a free and appropriate education to all children, regardless of their legal status. These students seek a fair chance at educational and economic opportunity in America, yet many states and federal law prohibit them from eligibility for financial aid for postsecondary education. In 2021, households led by undocumented individuals contributed $30.8 billion in state and federal taxes, supported businesses both large and small, and made lasting contributions in both K-12 and higher education. (American Immigration Council, August 2023) NACAC supports policies that will provide undocumented students with access to postsecondary education, including financial aid.

Policy Recommendations

NACAC supports the following policies to make higher education more accessible for undocumented students:

  • Enactment of a federal DREAM Act to provide a path to legal status and access to financial aid;
  • Tuition equity policies that allow undocumented students to pay resident tuition rates at public colleges and universities;
  • State and federal policies to make need-based financial aid available to undocumented students.

Resources for working with undocumented students:

Also see Resources for NACAC Members (login required)