Savanna Hoffman
Whether or not DACA students are considered international depends on the state and the institution's policies. DACA students do not need a separate visa to study, but they are not considered international students at some institutions, such as USC. At USC, an international student is defined as an individual who enters the US with an F1 visa or plans to enter on non-immigrant visas. Some states provide in-state tuition to undocumented students, while others actively block access to in-state tuition or enrollment in public institutions for undocumented students, including DACA recipients.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Whether DACA students are considered international | Depends on the state and institution |
| Visa requirement for DACA students | No |
| DACA status | Does not provide lawful status |
| State tuition access for undocumented students | 23 states and DC provide in-state tuition |
| State tuition access for DACA recipients | 23 states and DC provide in-state tuition; 5 states restrict in-state tuition eligibility to DACA recipients only |
| State financial aid access for undocumented students | 18 states and DC provide access |
| State financial aid access for DACA recipients | 10 states actively block access; 18 states and DC provide access |
| Enrollment access for undocumented students | 10 states actively block access to all or some public colleges; some states may still allow DACA recipients to enroll |
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What You'll Learn
DACA students are not considered international
Whether or not DACA students are considered international depends on the state they are in and the institution's policies. However, DACA students are generally not considered international students. This is because DACA students are not required to go through the international admissions process and do not need a visa to study.
DACA, or the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act, is a federal program for people who came to the US as children and meet specific eligibility requirements. DACA does not provide lawful status, but it does offer a two-year deportation reprieve, and applicants may apply for a work authorization permit, which is subject to renewal.
International students are typically defined as those who hold specific visas or are seeking to obtain one. Since DACA students do not fall under this category, they are not considered international students. Instead, they are considered state residents and should apply as such.
The distinction between DACA students and international students is important because it determines the tuition fees they will be subject to and their eligibility for financial aid. While some states offer in-state tuition and financial aid to undocumented students, including DACA recipients, other states actively block access to these benefits.
It is worth noting that the policies regarding DACA students and their classification as domestic or international students can vary across institutions. Therefore, it is always advisable for DACA students to reach out to the admissions department of their chosen institution to discuss their specific situation and determine how they will be classified.
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DACA status and visa requirements
DACA (or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) is a federal program for people who came to the US as children and meet several eligibility requirements. DACA recipients are not considered international students and do not need a separate visa to study. However, whether they are considered domestic or international students depends on their state's laws (if attending a public university) or the private institution's policies.
Some states' policies provide statewide access to in-state tuition and some state financial aid or scholarships for the state's resident DACA recipients and undocumented students. Other states actively bar access to in-state tuition or state financial aid for the state's undocumented students, including DACA recipients. A small number of states restrict in-state tuition eligibility to DACA recipients only.
DACA recipients are considered state residents and should apply to institutions as such. However, it is worth noting that many PhDs in the US are funded positions that rely on research grants, and many grants (especially federal grants) require the money to only pay towards permanent residents and US citizens.
Undocumented students are not considered international applicants because they do not qualify for a visa and do not have to go through the international admission process.
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State-specific policies for DACA students
Whether a DACA recipient is considered an international student depends on their state's laws and the policies of the educational institution they plan to attend. While DACA students do not need a separate visa, their status as domestic or international students may vary across states and institutions.
California
California has shown support for DACA recipients by allowing them to obtain a state driver's license and qualify for Medi-Cal. The state also offers in-state tuition for undocumented immigrants, including DACA recipients, at select public institutions. Additionally, California has passed laws like Assembly Bill 21 (AB 21) to protect students' access to financial aid and legal representation, regardless of their immigration status.
Virginia
In Virginia, DACA students who meet the state's domicile requirements are eligible for in-state tuition, as advised by the state's attorney general.
Illinois, Chicago, and Cook County
These regions have faced a lawsuit from the Trump administration, alleging that their sanctuary policies impede federal immigration law enforcement. The lawsuit seeks to revoke birthright citizenship for children born to non-citizen parents, which could effectively render them undocumented. This would impact their access to federal financial aid, work authorization, and other services.
Texas
Texas has policies that actively bar enrollment for undocumented students in certain public institutions, but DACA recipients may still be allowed to enroll in some cases.
It is important to note that DACA policies and their implications can change over time, and specific institutions within a state may have varying practices. Students should refer to the latest information and consult with their chosen educational institutions for detailed guidance on their specific situations.
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DACA students' access to financial aid
Whether or not DACA students are considered international depends on their state's laws (if going to a public university) or the private institution's policies. DACA students do not need a separate visa as their DACA status permits them to study. However, they are not eligible for federal financial aid.
Despite this, DACA students have several financial aid options, including in-state tuition rates in certain states, scholarships, and affordable learning options. For instance, Washington State has several financial aid programs for immigrant and undocumented students, such as the Washington College Grant, which provides financial assistance to low-income students. Additionally, the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project offers free consultations, and the Immigrant Legal Resource Center has an Immigration Preparedness Toolkit with immigrant rights and legal information.
The completion of a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is an important step in the college application process, particularly for those eligible for federal financial aid. However, DACA students may be advised against submitting a FAFSA due to the risks associated with their situation. Instead, they can fill out a WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid), which is intended for students who are ineligible for federal aid.
The rules regarding financial aid for undocumented students vary across states. While some states have passed legislation to help undocumented students access public universities and receive in-state tuition rates and financial aid, others have laws restricting educational opportunities. As of 2020, 23 states and Washington, D.C., provided in-state tuition to undocumented students, with 18 of those states and Washington, D.C., also offering access to state financial aid.
It is important to note that DACA students should consult with their high school guidance counselors, admissions specialists, or financial aid offices to assess their individual financial aid options and eligibility.
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Residency status and tuition fees
The residency status of DACA students and the tuition fees they pay vary depending on the state and institution they are in. DACA students are not considered international students and do not need a separate visa to study, but each state and institution has different policies regarding tuition fees for its residents and non-residents.
Some states provide in-state tuition fees for DACA students, while others actively bar access to in-state tuition fees or any state financial aid. There are also some states that restrict in-state tuition eligibility only to DACA recipients. Additionally, some institutions may count DACA students as international students, while others may count them as state residents.
DACA, or the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, is a federal program for people who came to the US as children and meet specific eligibility requirements. It provides a two-year deportation reprieve, and applicants may apply for a work authorization permit, which is subject to renewal. However, it does not provide lawful status.
The definition of an international student also varies depending on the institution. Generally, international students are those who hold specific types of visas, such as an F1 visa or non-immigrant visas like E2, H2, or L2. Undocumented students, including DACA recipients, are not considered international applicants because they do not qualify for a visa and do not go through the international admission process.
It is important to check the specific policies of the state and institution regarding residency status and tuition fees for DACA students.
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Frequently asked questions
No, students with DACA status are not considered international students. However, whether they are considered a domestic or international student depends on the state they are in and the institution's policies.
DACA is a federal program for people who came to the US as children and meet specific eligibility requirements. It provides a two-year deportation reprieve, and applicants may apply for work authorization, which is subject to renewal.
No, DACA students do not need a separate visa as DACA permits them to study.
Yes, international students are those who hold specific visas or are seeking a visa.
No, some states actively bar enrollment in all or certain public institutions for undocumented students, but some states may still allow DACA recipients to enroll.
