AB540 – A Path to College for Undocumented Immigrants

Photo Credit: Adapted by the Beachcomber

AB540

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February 8, 2012 • Jocelyn Diego, Staff Reporter  
Filed under Opinions, Top Stories

Mission Bay High School—as every other school—has stressed the importance about filling out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) however, many students do not qualify for it as it is government money granted for its citizens. Students do not know there are other ways to really save some college money. As the AVID Club president, I believe it is my responsibility to inform students who do not qualify for the FAFSA, due to their immigration status, there are other ways they can receive help. I therefore took the liberty to research other resources and their benefits. I came across with the AB 540. The AB 540 is only for undocumented students in California, Utah, New Mexico, Texas, Connecticut, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Nebraska, New York, Oklahoma, and Washington. It is fundamental to know there are other ways students can receive help if they do not qualify for the FAFSA. Teachers in Mission Bay, such as Mr. Dave and Mrs. Christman “totally support” this policy and have thoroughly guided me to this policy.

The AB 540 is actually a law that helps undocumented students in some states in the country. This law “authorizes undocumented students who meet specific criteria to pay in-state tuition and California’s public colleges and universities.” Basically, this law permits undocumented students to pay in-state tuition rather than out-of state tuition which international students are supposed to pay. Mrs. Christman is “so glad there is an AB 540 for students who deserve going to college” and believes it “gives students hope to go to college.” That is why it is fundamental for everyone to be aware of this policy, because many students do deserve to go to college.

Like every other law, scholarship, organization, etc. there is a criteria: the students must have at least three years of high school (in California), a high school diploma or a GED, currently be enrolled in an accredited college or university, and the students need to sign an affidavit stating they will apply for citizenship as soon as they are eligible.

There are some things regarding the AB 540 to keep in mind. If you are in college and you have already paid out-of state tuition, there will be no refund—meaning you will not get your money back, regardless, that is why it’s fundamental to know this before we go off to college. This policy does not change your residence status but it will exempt you from paying out-of state tuition. This policy is unlimited to some extent; you will be covered by it as long as you are attending an accredited university.

If you have any questions regarding the AB 540; which universities or colleges are accredited schools, any scholarships you are eligible for, the AVID Club will be more than happy to help you.

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