Under Trump Administration, Some Chicago Students Think Twice About Applying for Financial Aid
A Fear of Deportation
In light of President Donald Trump’s threats of mass deportations, Chicago-area high schoolers with undocumented parents are weighing whether it’s worth it to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.
Uncertainty Surrounds FAFSA
Students submit the form to access federal loans and grants to cover tuition and other costs of attendance. Most rely on this funding to afford college. Filling out the application requires sharing personal information about students’ parents, even if they are undocumented — and it’s unclear if the Trump administration could one day use this data for immigration enforcement.
Aidé Acosta’s Concerns
Aidé Acosta, chief college officer for the Noble Schools charter network in Chicago, expressed concerns about the potential risks. “It’s creating an additional barrier to keep Brown kids out of college,” she said.
Karla Robles’ Caution
Karla Robles, chief program officer for the college-access organization OneGoal, also weighed in. “By law, this information is protected, but that’s right now,” she said. “That’s current fact. We don’t know what will happen.”
Students’ Fears
Students contacted for this story were too scared to share their experiences, even anonymously, for fear that their parents could be singled out by immigration authorities.
A Decision Based on Circumstances
Robles wants students and families to be aware that this could change. Beyond that, she said, her staff is telling students that they should make a decision based on their individual circumstances.
Opportunity vs. Risk
“On one hand, we’re providing guidance that says, ‘Hey, this is a deeply personal decision that students need to make with their families,’ and we want them to be informed of the risks that might come,” Robles said. “But we also want to acknowledge that there is an incredible opportunity in completing the FAFSA for many of our students. It’s the gatekeeper for them to even pursue education after high school.”
Conclusion
As the college application season continues, students with undocumented parents must weigh the risks and benefits of submitting the FAFSA. While some may choose to take the risk, others may decide to prioritize their families’ safety and security. Ultimately, the decision is a personal one that requires careful consideration of the potential consequences.
FAQs
Q: Has the Trump administration announced plans to use FAFSA information for deportation proceedings?
A: No, the Trump administration has not announced any plans to use FAFSA information for deportation proceedings.
Q: Has any parent been targeted for deportation as a result of submitting the FAFSA?
A: According to the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, no parent has so far been targeted as the result of a FAFSA submission.
Q: What should students with undocumented parents do if they are considering submitting the FAFSA?
A: Students with undocumented parents should consult with their families and counselors to weigh the risks and benefits of submitting the FAFSA. They should also consider seeking guidance from organizations that specialize in college access and financial aid for undocumented students.
