Undocumented Students At The University Of Oregon: Counting The Uncounted

The University of Oregon supports undocumented students, including those who are DACA-mented, by referring to them as Dreamers. While these students are unable to access federal financial resources, they can apply for state grant funding by submitting the Oregon Student Aid Application (ORSAA). This application also allows them to demonstrate financial need for scholarships like the Diversity Excellence Scholarship and other departmental scholarships. Incoming freshmen are automatically considered for the General University Scholarship. Additionally, the University of Oregon offers an Undocumented Student Support Group, which provides a safe and confidential space for undocumented students to connect and share their experiences.

The University of Oregon's support for undocumented students

The University of Oregon offers support for undocumented students through its DREAMers Workgroup, which aims to identify and create opportunities for students who identify as undocumented. The group's mission is to research, document, and provide resources and a voice to support these students as they navigate their college journey.

The University of Oregon also provides financial aid information for DREAMers. As DACA and undocumented students are unable to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the university recommends they submit the Oregon Student Aid Application (ORSAA). By doing so, DACA and undocumented Oregon residents may become eligible for state grant funding and can demonstrate financial need for scholarships like the Diversity Excellence Scholarship and other departmental scholarships. The university also highlights that DACA and undocumented students who are not Oregon residents can still submit the ORSAA to demonstrate financial need for scholarships, but they will not be eligible for state grant funding.

Additionally, the university's Counseling Center offers an Undocumented Student Support Group, providing a safe and confidential space for undocumented students to connect and share their experiences. The group aims to build a community of support and provide students with additional campus resources and ways of coping.

The University of Oregon also offers legal support for students with immigration-related questions through its Office of the General Counsel. Furthermore, ASUO Legal Services provides free legal advice to all UO students on various issues, including landlord disputes, family law, criminal and non-criminal offenses, and more.

Scholarships for undocumented students at the University of Oregon

The University of Oregon uses the term “Dreamers” to refer to undocumented, DACA-mented, Tuition Equity, and students of mixed-status families. While DACA and undocumented students are not eligible to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), they can submit the Oregon Student Aid Application (ORSAA) to demonstrate financial need for scholarships.

Diversity Excellence Scholarship

DACA and undocumented students who are Oregon residents can submit the ORSAA to demonstrate financial need for the Diversity Excellence Scholarship. This scholarship is also open to DACA and undocumented students who are not Oregon residents, but they will be ineligible for state grant funding.

Opportunity Through Excellence: Fund the Dream Scholarship

This scholarship is open to both undergraduate and graduate students. Applicants must be first-generation college students, able to show financial need, and ineligible for federal financial aid. The award ranges from $5,000 to $9,000 and is for one year.

General University Scholarship

DACA and undocumented incoming freshmen are automatically considered for the General University Scholarship based on their admission materials.

Presidential Scholarship

DACA and undocumented students can apply for the Presidential Scholarship.

Oregon Student Access and Completion (OSAC) scholarships

Undocumented students can apply for the Oregon Student Access and Completion (OSAC) scholarships. OSAC awards more than $18 million in scholarships annually, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 or more.

Oregon Opportunity Grant and Oregon Promise grant

Undocumented students can apply for the Oregon Opportunity Grant and Oregon Promise grant.

Other scholarships

Undocumented students can also search for and apply for other Oregon and national scholarships.

Tuition fees for undocumented students at the University of Oregon

The University of Oregon does not publish information on the number of undocumented students enrolled. However, the university provides a detailed breakdown of the tuition fees for all students, including those who are undocumented.

Undocumented students are school-age immigrants who live in the United States after entering the country without inspection or after overstaying their visas. Undocumented students can apply for admissions to the University of Oregon but are required to submit either a HB 2787 tuition equity affidavit or a tuition equity form for their application to be processed.

HB 2787 Tuition Equity

The HB 2787 bill allows certain students an exemption from non-resident tuition and fees at Oregon public universities. The University of Oregon may grant in-state tuition for undocumented students who meet all of the following criteria:

• Attended elementary or secondary/high school in a state or territory of the U.S. for at least five years prior to earning a high school diploma or GED.
• Studied at an Oregon school for at least the last three years before leaving high school.
• Graduated from an Oregon high school or received a GED in Oregon.
• Show intention to become a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.

Undocumented students who do not meet the criteria for HB 2787 can still apply to the University of Oregon but will be assessed as a non-resident student and will be required to pay non-resident (out-of-state) tuition and fees.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Undocumented and DACA-mented students are eligible for merit-based awards at the University of Oregon, including the Finley Academic Excellence Scholarship, Diversity Achievement Scholarship, and consideration for the Presidential Scholarship. Students are considered for some awards as part of their admissions application but can apply for additional scholarships through ScholarDollars once they have been admitted.

Undocumented students are not eligible to receive federal aid, grants, or loans. However, DACA students who have been provided with a social security number can fill out the FAFSA to receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). Although they can fill out the FAFSA and get a SAR, these students still cannot access federal aid. Student Aid Reports (SAR) can be used to demonstrate need and can be used to apply for private, state, and institutional funding.

The University of Oregon's status as a sanctuary campus

The University of Oregon does not publicly disclose the number of undocumented students enrolled. However, it is known that Oregon is a sanctuary state and has been since 1987. This means that Oregon stands for the safety, dignity, and human rights of all its residents.

Oregon was the first state in the nation to pass a law stopping state and local police and government from helping federal authorities with immigration enforcement. This law has been updated several times over the years and was strengthened by the Sanctuary Promise Act (HB 3265) in 2021, which increased safety and protection measures for immigrant communities.

The University of Oregon, as a public institution, follows Oregon's Sanctuary Promise laws. This means that the university will not voluntarily assist with federal immigration enforcement efforts unless required by federal law. The university also does not release confidential student or employee information to federal immigration enforcement agencies except when required by law, valid warrant, subpoena, or court order.

Oregon's Sanctuary Laws specifically state that:

• University, state, and local law enforcement agencies within Oregon cannot investigate or interrogate individuals for immigration enforcement purposes.
• All voluntary requests from federal agencies related to immigration enforcement will be denied, documented, and reported to the Oregon Department of Justice.
• State and local law enforcement or public agencies must refuse and reject collaboration with federal authorities for immigration enforcement purposes.

Oregon also provides inclusive in-state tuition and state financial aid policies for undocumented students. Undocumented students can apply for admissions to Oregon universities but are required to submit specific documentation, such as a tuition equity affidavit or form.

The University of Oregon's admissions process for undocumented students

The University of Oregon is committed to supporting undocumented students and those from mixed-status families. The university follows Oregon's Sanctuary Promise laws, which state that Oregon's university, state, and local law enforcement agencies cannot investigate or interrogate individuals for immigration enforcement purposes.

Admissions Process for Undocumented Students

Undocumented students can apply for admission to the University of Oregon. They are required to submit either a HB 2787 tuition equity affidavit or a tuition equity form for their admissions application to be processed. Undocumented students who are part of DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) should follow the same steps as those who are not when applying.

Undocumented students applying to the university should fill out the domestic student application and select their country of citizenship. They should leave the field for the social security number blank unless they have been granted one through DACA.

Tuition and Fees

First-time undergraduates (freshmen and transfers) who are admitted to the university and meet the requirements of HB 2787 may be assessed in-state tuition rates. To qualify for in-state tuition under HB 2787, students must have:

• Attended elementary or secondary/high school in a state or territory of the US for at least five years.
• Studied at an Oregon school for at least the last three years before leaving high school.
• Graduated from an Oregon high school or received a GED in Oregon.
• Shown intention to become a US citizen or lawful permanent resident.

Undocumented students who do not meet the criteria for HB 2787 can still apply to the university but will be assessed as non-resident students and will be required to pay non-resident tuition and fees.

Financial Aid

Undocumented students are not eligible for federal aid, grants, or loans. However, DACA students who have been provided with a social security number can fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). While they cannot access federal aid, the SAR can be used to demonstrate financial need and apply for private, state, and institutional funding.

The University of Oregon offers merit-based scholarships that are open to all incoming freshmen and transfer students, including undocumented students. Students are considered for these awards based on their residency, GPA, and other factors.

Support and Resources

The University of Oregon offers a range of support resources for undocumented students, including:

• Dreaming Beyond Borders Resource Center: Advocates for the support of DACA students and undocumented immigrants and provides information about available resources.
• Educational Opportunities Program (EOP): Provides personal and academic support for students who have traditionally been denied equal access to higher education, including undocumented students.
• Cultural Resource Centers: Provides support services and opportunities for all members of the university community to learn about different cultures and communities.

Frequently asked questions