Funding Postsecondary Education for Undocumented Students in the United States

Abstract

“Although an abundance of policy research exists on undocumented students and the policy environment surrounding their access to education, little policy analysis exists on the topic. To address this lack of policy analysis, this article poses the question: In a framework based on feasibility, social equity, and potential economic outcomes, what are the benefits, drawbacks, and costs of policies to extend financial support to undocumented students? To answer this question I first review the arguments that supporters and critics have used to expand and restrict college access for undocumented students in the United States. Next, I analyze the policy background that governs undocumented students‟ access to postsecondary education and financial aid in the United States. I use a significant amount of legal scholarship in this analysis because the status of undocumented students in the United States is predicated on the U.S. Supreme Court case Plyer v. Doe and two federal statutes, the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (Pub.L. 104-208) and the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (Pub.L. 104-193).”