Princeton Empowers Undocumented Students To Thrive

Princeton University has demonstrated its support for undocumented immigrant students in several ways. The university's president, Christopher L. Eisgruber, has publicly expressed his support for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy, stating that it allows talented and motivated students to pursue their education and develop their talents. Princeton's admission and financial aid policies are the same for undocumented and DACA students as they are for all other applicants, and the university meets 100% of the demonstrated financial need of all admitted students, including undocumented and DACA students. Additionally, Princeton has a student organization called Princeton Students for Immigrant Empowerment (PSIE), which works to empower the migrant community in New Jersey and beyond through various projects, such as mentoring migrant youth and protecting unaccompanied migrant children. The university also provides resources and support for undocumented and DACA students through the Davis International Center, which offers general support, legal resources, and one-on-one advising appointments.

Princeton meets the full financial need of all aid applicants, including undocumented students

Princeton University is committed to supporting undocumented and DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) students. The university meets 100% of the demonstrated financial need of all aid applicants, including undocumented and DACA students. This means that if admitted, these students can be confident that their full financial need will be met, as determined by the financial aid office.

Princeton's admission and financial aid policies are the same for undocumented and DACA students as they are for all other applicants. The university's need-based financial aid program applies equally to all applicants, and Princeton admits students without regard to citizenship status. The only form required of undocumented and DACA students is the Princeton Financial Aid Application, in which they should select "International student, other than Canadian" under Citizenship Status.

In addition to meeting the full financial needs of undocumented and DACA students, Princeton also offers other resources and support. The Davis International Center, for example, offers general support to these students through one-on-one advising appointments and legal resources, including free legal consultations with attorneys to discuss their immigration options. The university also provides funding for attorney consultations and assistance with DACA renewal applications for students, faculty, and staff.

Princeton University strives to create an intellectual and residential community where all members can participate fully and equally, free from discrimination, harassment, or intimidation based on immigration status. The university values the contributions of undocumented and DACA students and is committed to providing them with the financial support and resources they need to pursue their education and achieve their goals.

The Davis International Center offers free legal consultations with attorneys to discuss immigration options

The Davis International Center, located in the Louis A. Simpson International Building, offers free legal consultations with attorneys to discuss immigration options for undocumented and DACA students. These consultations are intended to provide students with guidance and support regarding their immigration status and explore possible avenues for adjustment. The center recognises the unique challenges faced by undocumented students, including restrictions on travel and work opportunities.

The Davis International Center is a valuable resource for Princeton's undocumented and DACA students, offering specialised services and programs to support their unique needs. The centre provides advising services on immigration and visa matters, recognising that each student's situation is unique. They also host events and provide consulting services on intercultural issues, fostering a sense of community and support for international students.

The centre's one-on-one advising appointments offer a confidential and safe space for students to discuss their specific concerns and explore their options. These appointments can help students navigate the complex landscape of immigration laws and regulations, ensuring they are informed about their rights and the resources available to them.

Princeton University understands the importance of providing legal support to its undocumented and DACA students, and the Davis International Center plays a crucial role in this regard. The centre's attorneys are knowledgeable about immigration law and can provide valuable insights to help students make informed decisions about their future. They can also assist students in understanding their options for gaining permanent residency or adjusting their immigration status.

In addition to the legal consultations, the Davis International Center offers other resources and support services for undocumented and DACA students. They provide general support through various channels, ensuring that students have access to the information and assistance they need throughout their time at Princeton. The centre is committed to helping students feel included and valued members of the Princeton community, regardless of their immigration status.

Princeton Students for Immigrant Empowerment (PSIE) is an immigrants' rights organisation that empowers the migrant community in New Jersey

Princeton Students for Immigrant Empowerment (PSIE) is an immigrants' rights organisation with a variety of projects geared towards empowering the migrant community in New Jersey and beyond. PSIE's mission is to treat human beings with dignity and fight against the injustices faced by migrant communities. The organisation undertakes a range of initiatives, from mentoring migrant youth to protecting unaccompanied migrant children, and collaborates with various community organisations and migrant communities throughout the year.

PSIE also organises club and campus speaker events to raise awareness among students about immigration-related topics and careers in immigration. The organisation's co-presidents, Mikaela Lavandero and Wyatt Browne, lead these efforts to empower and support migrants in New Jersey. Their work aligns with Princeton University's commitment to supporting undocumented and DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) students. The university recognises the value that these students bring to the community and strives to meet their full financial needs.

Princeton University has expressed its support for DACA, acknowledging that the policy has allowed talented and motivated students, who came to the country through no choice of their own, to pursue their education and contribute positively to their communities. The university's admission and financial aid policies are the same for undocumented and DACA students as they are for all other applicants. Additionally, Princeton protects the privacy of its students, including undocumented individuals, by not disclosing personal information without prior written consent, in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Furthermore, Princeton provides resources and support for undocumented and DACA students through the Davis International Center, which offers general support, one-on-one advising appointments, and legal resources. The centre also provides specialised services and programs for international students, including advising on immigration and visa matters, hosting events, and consulting on intercultural issues.

The university's commitment to supporting undocumented and DACA students extends beyond admissions and financial aid. They encourage all students to create applications that contextualise their achievements and allow them to represent themselves authentically. Princeton also ensures that undocumented and DACA students have access to health insurance through the Student Health Plan (SHP), which does not require a social security number.

Princeton's admission policy is the same for undocumented students as it is for all other students

Princeton University's admission policy is the same for undocumented students as it is for all other students. The university seeks applications from highly qualified students regardless of their citizenship status. Princeton's admission and financial aid policies are the same for undocumented and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students as they are for all other students applying to the university.

Princeton admits students without regard to citizenship status and meets 100% of demonstrated need each year a student is enrolled. The university's need-based financial aid program applies equally to all applicants. If admitted, undocumented students can be confident that their full financial need, as determined by the Undergraduate Financial Aid Office, will be met.

Undocumented students, including students who have received deferred action under the DACA process, should apply for financial aid by completing the Princeton Financial Aid Application. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is not required. For the Common Application, when reporting citizenship status, students should select "Other (Non-U.S.)", list all other citizenships held and respond "no" to the visa question. In the application, under Citizenship Status, they should select "International student, other than Canadian".

Princeton's admission staff and their affiliated representatives receive additional training and information related to DACA and undocumented students to better answer inquiries related to the application process and campus resources.

Princeton does not disclose a student's personal information without prior written consent

Princeton University is committed to protecting the privacy of its students, including undocumented immigrants. The university's policy aligns with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a federal statute that safeguards student records and governs the conditions under which such records can be disclosed.

Princeton's general rule is not to disclose a student's personal information to anyone outside the university without the student's prior written consent. This includes refraining from sharing information with government officials or law enforcement officers. The university respects the privacy and confidentiality of its students, recognising the sensitivity of their personal information.

However, there are limited exceptions to this rule. Firstly, Princeton may disclose certain "Directory Information" unless a student submits a written request to the Registrar asking for confidentiality. This information includes the student's name, contact details, dates of attendance, field of study, degrees and awards received, previous schools attended, participation in official activities and organisations, and athletic team involvement. Notably, Princeton keeps student addresses, dates of birth, and places of birth confidential, even though FERPA identifies this information as eligible for disclosure.

Secondly, Princeton may be legally obligated to provide student records to government officials or law enforcement if presented with a valid subpoena or comparable binding requirement, such as a court order. In such cases, the university will typically notify the student before complying with the request.

Students concerned about their privacy can take additional steps to protect their information. They may submit a written request to the Office of the Registrar to restrict the disclosure of some or all directory information. This allows students to have greater control over what information is shared and with whom.

Princeton's commitment to safeguarding student privacy extends to all members of its community, regardless of their citizenship or immigration status. The university prioritises the protection of its students' personal information and ensures that any exceptions to the non-disclosure policy are carefully considered and in line with legal requirements.

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