How To Get A Degree From Texas State University San Mario

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1 Resources for Undocumented Students at Texas State University San Marcos Financial Aid Texas Application for Student Financial Aid (TASFA) Students qualifying for state residency under Education Code Sections and (formerly House Bill 1403/Senate Bill 1528) are eligible to apply for state financial aid. To apply for state aid, you must first find out if the school that you are/will be attending accepts the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA). Included in the application is Appendix A which lists the schools that accept the TASFA. Education Code Sections and (Formerly HB1403/Senate Bill 1528) House Bill 1403 is a law that allows certain students to pay in-state tuition at colleges and universities in the State in Texas. It also allows students to qualify for state financial aid. HB1403 was passed in the summer of 2001 by Representative Rick Noriega. The education codes specifically refer to issues of Determination of resident status and Information required to establish resident status. TEXAS Grant The Texas Legislature established the TEXAS (Towards EXcellence, Access and Success) Grant to make sure that well-prepared high school graduates with financial need could go to college. Who can apply? Students who... For an initial award Are Texas residents Have not been convicted of a felony or crime involving a controlled substance Show financial need Have an EFC less than or equal to 4000 Register for the Selective Service or are exempt from this requirement AND Be a graduate of an accredited high school in Texas no earlier than the school year Complete the Recommended High School Program or Distinguished Achievement Program in high school Enroll in a non-profit public college or university in Texas within 16 months of graduation from a public or accredited private high school in Texas and 1

2 Have accumulated no more than 30 semester credit hours, excluding those earned for dual or concurrent courses or awarded for credit by examination (AP, IB or CLEP). OR Have earned an associate degree from a public technical, state or community college in Texas and Enroll in any public university in Texas no more than 12 months after receiving their associate's degree. Students entering the program from high school who continue in college and who meet program academic standards can receive awards for up to 150 semester credit hours, until they receive a bachelor's degree, or for five years if enrolled in a 4-year degree plan or six years if enrolled in a 5-year degree plan, whichever comes first. Students entering the program based on acquisition of an associate's degree who continue in college and who meet program academic standards can receive awards for up to 90 semester credit hours, until they receive a bachelor's degree, or for three years if enrolled in a 4-year degree plan or four years if enrolled in a 5-year degree plan, whichever comes first. The academic requirements for continuing in the program are: At the end of the first year, a student entering the program must be meeting the school's Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements. At the end of the second year in the program or later years, all students must complete at least 75% of the hours attempted in the prior academic year, have an overall college grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale and complete at least 24 semester credit hours per year. Where may awards be used? A TEXAS Grant may be used to attend any public institution of higher education in Texas. How much can be awarded? The award amount (including state and institutional funds) is equal to the student's tuition and required fees. For , the state amount is approximately: $6,080 per year for public universities and state college students $1780 per year for public community college students $2,680 per year for public technical college students How can you apply? You apply for the TEXAS Grant when you complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or other application as required by your college's financial aid office. Funding is limited, so you need to submit your application as soon as possible after January 1 of your senior year. The financial aid office at each college and university will determine if TEXAS Grant is part of the aid package that is offered to you. Additional Information Your eligibility for this program is determined by the financial aid office at your college. Contact your college financial aid office for additional information on eligibility or availability of funds. To read more about this program check out: Texas Education Code, and Coordinating Board Rules, Chapter 22 L. 2

3 Texas Public Education Grant Provides grant assistance to students with financial need. Eligibility Requirements Are Texas residents, non-residents or foreign students Show financial need Register for the Selective Service or are exempt from this requirement FYI: Each institution may set its own priorities in making awards to undergraduate or graduate students, full- or part-time. Check with your institution to find out these requirements. Eligible Institutions Public colleges or universities in Texas make TPEG awards from their own resources. Only instate (Texas) colleges or universities may participate in the program. Only public colleges or universities participate in the program (no private, non-profit or career colleges or universities). Award Amount No individual award may be more than the student s financial need. Each institution might set its own maximum award amounts. Application Process Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The financial aid office at the college or university the student applied to will notify the student if he/she is eligible. Additional Information Your eligibility for this program is determined by the financial aid office at your college. Funds may not be immediately available to you at the beginning of the semester. Contact your college financial aid office for additional information on eligibility of availability of funds. To read more about this program check out: Texas Education Code, Chapter and Coordinating Board Rule, Chapter 22D 3

4 In 2005, House Bill 1403 was replaced by Senate Bill Previous provisions have changed. Below are steps for immigrants students to apply for college and pay in state tuition. Objective Register for and take the SAT and ACT college admissions test Obtain an application for admissions Obtain an Affidavit of Intent Fill out Affidavit of Intent and have it notarized Submit: 1. Completed Application 2. Affidavit of Intent 3. Application fee (or waiver) 4. Official sealed transcript Ask for Student ID number STEPS FOR IMMIGRANT STUDENTS (SB 1528) Description These tests are offered several times a year on Saturdays. Request that your scores be sent to the universities/colleges you are applying to. These are available on schools websites and in their admissions offices. You can even fill out an online application, without a social security number, at Or fill out the Texas Common Application When it asks for a social security number, leave it blank or put your Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) number if you have one. When asked for visa information, write SB When asked if you are a legal Texas resident, answer YES. Call the admissions office of each school you are applying to, and explain that you are an SB 1528 student and will need an Affidavit of Intent. Fill out all sections and mark YES to all questions. If this is not turned in, you will not be eligible to pay in-state tuition. You can sometimes have this form notarized at your high school; otherwise you will need to go to a public notary. Make copies of all these documents. Attach a letter stating you are an SB 1528 student, including your contact information and the information of a high school contact. If you have an (ITIN), you can use this in place of a Social Security number. If not, some schools will give you a Student ID number. Every college/university will assign you a DIFFERENT number. You will need this number to fill out your FAFSA and will use it any time you need to access information about yourself. Fill out FAFSA or TAFSA form Fill out a PAPER FAFSA! Once completed, turn it in, in person, or via mail to the financial aid officer at the college/university of your choice. Do NOT mail it to the federal government! Do NOT fill it out online! Follow up Fill out housing application Schools will send you a letter of acceptance or rejection, or inform you that you are missing information. Contact the admissions office if you do not hear anything in four weeks. If missing documents, submit them as soon as possible. When you decide where you will attend, fill out necessary housing applications if you want to live on campus. Sign up for Orientation Session Register for an Orientation Session, where you will learn more specific information about the school of your choice. Some orientation sessions have a fee, but there is usually a free one available at the end of the summer. 4

5 SCHOLARSHIPS Davis Putter Scholarship Fund davisputter.org Provides grants to students actively working for peace and justice. DREAMActivist Undocumented students action and resource network listing various scholarships available that do not require SSN. Educators for Fair Consideration Provides a comprehensive list of scholarships for Bay Area immigrant students who do not have social security numbers, college-specific scholarships, colleges with scholarships for students without SSNs, and additional scholarships that do not require SSN. Latino College Dollars Scholarships for Latino students, compiled by the Tomas Rivera Policy Institute, that can be searched based on education level, GPA, and citizenship requirement. TRPI also encourages students to check for scholarships from colleges or universities they are attending. Mexican American Legal Defense Fund (MALDEF) Scholar Athlete Milk Mustache of the Year (SAMMY) Supports students who have demonstrated excellence in athletics and academics. TELACU: The East Los Angeles Community Union Awards hundreds of scholarships each year to students in California, Texas, Illinois and New York. 5

6 Employment Career Services Contact: Haley Way, Career Counselor experienced with undocumented students LBJ Student Center, Suite Jobs4Cats Job postings such as personal tutoring, home/yard maintenance, etc. are listed that do not require documentation and other employers that may be satisfied by status as a student. Student Support Jesse Silva Founder and Advisor of Hombres Unidos js202@txstate.edu Multi-Cultural Student Affairs Contact: Jonnie Wilson, Assistant Director LBJ Student Center, Suite jonnie@txstate.edu Gloria Velasquez Faculty, Department of Modern Languages gv11@txstate.edu Alba Melgar Lecturer, Department of Modern Languages am39@txstate.edu Michelle Sotolongo Academic Advisor, University College Advising Center ms84@txstate.edu Dr. Israel Nájera Supervising Counselor, Counseling Center in01@txstate.edu Legal Help The following organizations and attorneys provide free legal services and/or referrals for such services to indigent individuals in immigration removal proceedings, pursuant to 8 CFR Some of these organizations may also charge a nominal fee for legal services to certain low-income individuals. 6

7 American Gateways Only represents clients in San Antonio Immigration Court. Will represent aliens in Asylum cases. One Highland Center 314 Highland Mall Blvd., Ste. 501 Austin, TX American Immigration Lawyers Association The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) is the national association of over 11,000 attorneys and law professors who practice and teach immigration law. AILA Member attorneys represent U.S. families seeking permanent residence for close family members, as well as U.S. businesses seeking talent from the global marketplace. AILA Members also represent foreign students, entertainers, athletes, and asylum seekers, often on a pro bono basis. Suite 300, 1331 G Street, NW Washington, DC Phone: Fax: Avvo Free Online Legal Information and Advice Bernardo Kohler Center The BKC is a non-profit organization in Central Texas that offers free immigration legal assistance to low-income immigrants, focusing on providing legal services to juveniles and detainees appearing before the immigration court. The specific purposes for which this corporation is organized are to protect and support the immigrant population through the coordination of programs and services and coordinate services for immigrants in Texas and to partner with human and social service organizations throughout North America in order to improve social conditions for the families of immigrants in Texas P.O. Box Austin, TX Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of San Antonio, Inc. Catholic Charities provides 23 bilingual and culturally sensitive programs in 19 counties that empower individuals and families in our community to become self-sufficient. Offers Anti- Trafficking Program, Immigration Services, and Refugee Services. Only represents clients in San Antonio Immigration Court. 202 W. French Place San Antonio, TX

8 Immigration Clinic of the University of Texas School of Law The Clinic accepts cases through individual requests for assistance and referrals from organizations serving low-income persons with immigration issues. Persons seeking assistance may call to complete a clinic intake form. Will represent aliens in Asylum cases. Clinic is closed from May 1 until September 1. Sonja Hartley, Administrator 727 East Dean Keeton Street Austin, TX shartley@law.utexas.edu Immigration & Human Rights Clinic, Center for Legal and Social Justice Will represent aliens in Asylum cases NW 36th Street San Antonio, TX Mexican American Legal Defense Fund (MALDEF) Implements programs that are structured to bring Latinos into the mainstream of American political and socio-economic life Provides better educational opportunities Encourages participation in all aspects of society Offers a positive vision for the future Combines advocacy, educational outreach, and litigation strategies to achieve socio-economic change Refugee & Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services (RAICES) RAICES serves immigrants and refugees in our community by providing immigration related legal services, advocacy and opportunities for educational and social support. We believe that by actively promoting the well-being and informed participation of immigrants and refugees in the community, everyone benefits. Will represent aliens in Asylum cases N. Flores San Antonio, TX

9 Texas Rio Grande Legal Aide, Inc. (various offices throughout Texas) Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA) is a nonprofit organization that provides free legal services to the residents of Southwest Texas who are unable to afford the fees of attorneys in private practice. In eight of the counties, TRLA also provides representation in criminal cases through its Public Defender Division. TRLA also serves migrant and seasonal farm workers throughout the states of Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee and Kentucky. Will represent Legal Permanent Residents, United States citizens, and U-visa or T-visa applicants N. Main Ave. San Antonio, TX Toll Free: (888) For legal assistance other than immigration matters, please contact the following organizations: Lawyer Referral Service of Central Texas The program was designed to assist persons who are able to pay normal attorney fees but whose ability to locate legal representation is frustrated by a lack of experience with the legal system, a lack of information about the type of services needed, or a fear of the potential costs of seeing a lawyer Toll-free: Send mail to the LRS at: Lawyer Referral Service P.O. Box 218 Austin TX the LRS at: referrals@austinlrs.org Volunteer Legal Services of Central Texas Volunteer Legal Services of Central Texas helps low-income clients access the civil justice system by providing volunteer attorneys who donate free legal advice and representation, and by supporting and training those attorneys Congress Avenue Suite 701 Austin, TX

10 Miscellaneous Information College Board The College Board is a not-for-profit membership association whose mission is to connect students to college success and opportunity. Higher education obstacles and possibilities The Urban Institute estimates that 65,000 undocumented students that is, children born abroad who are not U.S. citizens or legal residents graduate from U.S. high schools each year. These children are guaranteed an education in U.S. public schools through grade 12, but may face legal and financial barriers to higher education. What can you tell undocumented students about their options for college? There are three main areas on the path to higher education where undocumented students may have special concerns or face obstacles: admission, tuition, and financial aid. College and university admission policies Undocumented students may assume that they cannot legally attend college in the United States. This is not true. There is no federal or state law that prohibits the admission of undocumented immigrants to U.S. colleges and universities, public or private, nor does federal or state law require students to prove citizenship in order to enter U.S. institutions of higher education. However, institutional policies on admitting undocumented students vary. For example, many 4-year state colleges in Virginia (following a 2003 recommendation by the state attorney general) require applicants to submit proof of citizenship or legal residency, and refuse admission to students without documentation. This policy is not, however, a state law. In many other states, public institutions accept undocumented students but treat them as foreign students so that they are ineligible for state aid and for the lower tuition charged to state residents. College and university tuition policies An issue generating controversy today is the question of whether undocumented students residing in a U.S. state should be eligible for the lower tuition rates that state residents pay for their state's public colleges and universities. Many state institutions charge undocumented students out-of-state tuition fees (even if the student is a longtime resident of the state), and this policy can put college out of their reach financially. In recent years, 10 states Texas, California, New York, Utah, Illinois, Washington, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Kansas have passed laws that permit undocumented students to pay in-state tuition rates under certain conditions. For example, California's law requires the undocumented student to have attended a state high school for three or more years, to have graduated from a state high school, and to sign an affidavit promising to file an application to legalize his immigration status. Counselors in any of these states should familiarize themselves with that state's specific prerequisites. In 2007, the DREAM (Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors) Act was reintroduced in the House and Senate. If passed, this legislation would permit undocumented students to begin a 6-year process leading to permanent legal status if, among other requirements, they graduate from a U.S. high school and were brought to the U.S. at least 5 years before the legislation is signed into law at the age of 15 or younger. To complete the 10

11 process they would, within the 6-year period, be required to graduate from a community college, complete at least 2 years towards a 4-year degree, or serve at least 2 years in the U.S. military. These individuals would qualify for in-state tuition rates in all states during the 6- year period. Federal, state, and institutional financial aid policies Undocumented students cannot legally receive any federally funded student financial aid, including loans, grants, scholarships, and work-study programs. In most states, they are not eligible for state financial aid. Less than a handful of states grant eligibility for state financial aid to undocumented students who qualify for in-state tuition, and this has proven a contentious issue, so the situation is subject to change. Most private scholarship funds and foundations require applicants to be U.S. citizens or legal residents, but there are some that do not have this requirement. Private colleges and universities set their own financial aid policies. Some are willing to give scholarships and other aid to undocumented students. DREAM Act The DREAM Act legislation has not passed yet. This means that you cannot yet apply. The DREAM Act is a bipartisan legislation pioneered by Sen. Orin Hatch [R-UT] and Sen. Richard Durbin [D-IL]. Under the rigorous provisions of the DREAM Act, qualifying undocumented youth would be eligible for a 6 year long *conditional path to citizenship that requires completion of a college degree or two years of military service. *Conditional Permanent Residency is similar to Legal Permanent Residency in that you would be able to work, drive and travel. However, it lasts for only 6 years and you will not be able to travel abroad for long periods of time. The current legislation states that a person can travel abroad up to 365 days in total for the entire 6 years under Conditional Permanent Residency. You will also be eligible for student loans and federal work-study programs, but will not be eligible for federal financial aid such as Pell Grants. 11