Supporting Immigrant and Mixed-Status Students in Accessing Financial Aid

At ImmSchools, we are a community-led nonprofit organization that partners with K-12 schools to support immigrant and undocumented students and families. We provide workshops for students and families on topics like college access, financial aid (FAFSA/TASFA), and Know Your Rights (KYR) sessions, ensuring that families have the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions about their futures.

Best Practices for Texas Counselors & Advisors on Supporting Immigrant and Undocumented Families 

With shifting policies and new federal guidance, here’s how Texas counselors and advisors can best support students and families in navigating financial aid: 

1. Stay Updated – Follow NCAN (National College Attainment Network), DOE updates, and local advocacy groups like TACHE (Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education) for the latest FAFSA/TASFA guidance. 
2. Proactive Outreach – Many mixed-status and undocumented families hesitate to seek financial aid due to fear. Proactively reach out and offer small-group or one-on-one FAFSA/TASFA sessions. 
3. Train School Staff – Ensure teachers, college advisors, and family engagement specialists understand the basics of financial aid access for undocumented and mixed-status students. 
4. Build Trust – Offer culturally responsive support by partnering with trusted community organizations (like ImmSchools) to hold family information nights in Spanish and other languages. 
5. Expand Scholarship Awareness – Many immigrant students believe college is out of reach financially. Make sure they know about state aid (TASFA) and private scholarships that don’t require U.S. citizenship. 

FAFSA/TASFA Support for Students Without Biological Parents in the U.S. 

Many students in Texas navigate the college application and financial aid process without their biological parents present. When completing the FAFSA or TASFA, these students may qualify as independent students under certain circumstances, such as experiencing homelessness or being in legal guardianship. Advisors should: 

• Identify Dependency Status: Encourage students to check if they qualify as independent (e.g., unaccompanied homeless youth, foster care, legal guardianship). 

• Leverage School Liaisons: Connect students with their McKinney-Vento liaison or foster care point of contact, who can help obtain verification letters for FAFSA. 

• Use TASFA Alternatives: Since TASFA is a state aid application and doesn’t require parent information for independent students, it may be a more accessible option for some. 

Resources for Students in Mixed-Status Families 

Many Texas students come from mixed-status families, where some members are undocumented while others have legal status. This can create confusion and fear around submitting financial aid forms. Here’s how to guide them: 

• FAFSA & ITINs: Parents without a Social Security Number (SSN) can enter 000-00-0000 on the FAFSA. They should NOT use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). 

• Privacy for FAFSA: Although the Higher Education Act Prohibits the use of data for any purpose other than determining and awarding federal financial assistance, NCAN cannot assure mixed-status student and families that data submitted to US Department of ED as part of the FAFSA process will continue to be protected. For more information on guidance form the ED see here.  

• Alternative Funding: Encourage students to apply for scholarships specifically for undocumented students, such as TheDream.US, MALDEF scholarship resource guide, and institutional aid from colleges. 

As we continue supporting students in an evolving policy landscape, Texas advisors play a critical role in ensuring immigrant and undocumented students feel seen, supported, and empowered to pursue higher education. By providing accurate information, responsive to the specific needs of the communities we serve, and a safe space for families, we can help more students access the opportunities they deserve. 

For schools interested in workshops for students and families on financial aid, post-secondary pathways, and Know Your Rights, ImmSchools is here to help. Reach out to us HERE to explore how we can support your school community! 

Partner with us: tinyurl.com/immschoolspartner 

www.immschools.org