Millions of people who have come to the United States seeking safety and opportunity for themselves and their families are unable to obtain legal residential status because of our country’s broken immigration system. This undocumented community contributes to American society every day through its presence, work and tax money. Yet, due to their status, undocumented individuals are unable to fully participate in American society. They are ineligible to vote, undocumented families lack access to government support systems, and undocumented students are unable to receive federal loans and financial aid to attend institutions of higher education.
In light of the failure of federal and state politicians to deliver the reforms for which the undocumented community has been fighting, we as members of the DREAM Team @ NYU hope to build support in our university community in order to create equal access to NYU for undocumented students.
Each semester, the DREAM Team receives a handful of emails and messages from undocumented high school and college students looking to apply or transfer to our university. For those who have outstanding personal and academic records, acceptance to NYU is not the problem. The issue is affordability, and current NYU financial aid policies, coupled with federal and state aid restrictions, make it essentially impossible for undocumented students — even those who have been accepted — to afford an NYU education.
The first step in increasing accessibility would be extending financial aid eligibility to undocumented applicants. Such a change would be a necessary continuation of our university’s demonstrated commitment to diversity, and would enhance every student’s educational experiences by incorporating individuals with distinct perspectives into our learning community. Indeed, similar changes have already been made at a number of American universities in deference to the value of equal access to education.
The DREAM Team @ NYU believes in the educational rights of undocumented students. Students who have grown up, attended school and made their lives in the United States deserve the same educational opportunities. It is unacceptable that higher education is all but inaccessible for undocumented students because of their ineligibility for government financial aid and the precarious economic situations of many undocumented families.
While the financial burden of higher education faces countless Americans, undocumented students face a series of unique structural barriers to higher education. In recognition of this fact, and inspired by the principle of equal opportunity, we urge the NYU community to take further steps in creating a more diverse and inclusive environment on campus.
A version of this article appeared in the Tuesday, Feb. 4 print edition. Maria Monica Andia and Mark Putterman are guest columnists. Email them at [email protected].
