Undocumented Students Get Aid from Tufts University

Anticipating Tufts University’s surprise announcement on Wednesday, over a half-dozen students interviewed by Somerville Neighborhood News (SNN) last week said they want their university to offer financial aid to undocumented students who are accepted by the prestigious institution.

“I definitely think that Tufts should do this,” senior Genesis Garcia, told SNN on March 31. “Undocumented students or youth are already disadvantaged, being undocumented, probably not having English as their first language, probably coming from low-income backgrounds. Not giving them access to education further keeps them in those positions.”

On April 8, at a rally led by the Tufts chapter of United for Immigrant Justice, an administrator surprised demonstrators by announcing that the university has already decided to start assisting undocumented students who are accepted as undergraduates.

“Undocumented and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students who apply to Tufts are treated identically to any other U.S. citizen or permanent resident in their high school,” the university admissions office says on its website. “Tufts meets 100% of the demonstrated need of all admitted students. While procedures for financial aid vary between domestic and international applicants, undocumented and DACA students are considered for domestic, need-based financial like any other U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Because federal financial aid is not available for undocumented and DACA students, Tufts provides institutional financial aid in its place.”

According to College Board, there is no national or state law that prohibits undocumented students from attending a university or college in the United States. Tufts United for Immigrant Justice has been advocating for undocumented student rights at Tufts, urging the administration to reform its financial aid policies.

This past fall, New York University launched a new financial aid program specifically designed for undocumented students living in New York.

On March 31, Garcia asked a critical question: “How are we, as a university, as this ‘non-profit institution,’ keeping opportunities [available] for people who could really use them?”

Adiel Pollydore, another senior, echoed Garcia’s sentiments.

“One of the really cool things about Tufts is that you have the opportunity to be in Somerville and to be in Medford. It’s really sad that the campus is not reflective of the surrounding communities that are just so diverse with people coming from all over,” Pollydore said.

“Somerville High School is down the street, and how many kids to we get from Somerville every year? It’s very minimal. I think it would be awesome to see Tufts take those steps because I think it would be a move in the right direction,” she added.

Others on campus were more skeptical of a new financial aid program for undocumented students.

“I don’t know if the situation in Somerville is directly correlative to the matriculating body here at Tufts,” said Amy Schlegel, the Director of Galleries and Collections at Tufts University.”

Ryan Napier, a graduate student wondered how the university could pay for it.

“It sounds like a good program, but financial stuff is so difficult. It’s hard to say what you’re taking money from,” he said.

Tune into the April 21st newscast at 7 pm – on Channel 3 in Somerville or on our website – for full coverage of the April 8 rally and reactions to it.