Undocumented college students, including ‘Dreamers’, are now eligible to access federal coronavirus relief aid, per the Biden administration. Under the previous administration, these individuals were ineligible for assistance allocated by Congress.

Eligibility includes those protected by Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) as long as they have been enrolled in secondary education (college or university) since March 13, 2020. The March date is the day the U.S. declared a national emergency because of COVID.

Others not enrolled in DACA are also eligible for grants. They include refugees, asylum-seekers, and undocumented immigrants.

Congress allocated $12.5 billion for the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund, under the CARES Act of March 2020. The Act states at least half of the funds are to be managed by colleges and universities to support students struggling during the pandemic. Funds are to be used to pay for food, housing, health care, course materials, and other necessities.

An additional $62.3 billion in relief was added to the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund in December 2020 and March 2021. These funds are marked for students with ‘exceptional need’.

Under the American Rescue Plan, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said his department was releasing $36 billion in funds to more than 5,000 institutions of higher education so the schools can provide direct aid to students.

If you have questions about pandemic aid for undocumented students or any immigration-related topic, contact us at ILBSG to Get The Right Advice.

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