Children denied education because of unpredictable school fees in Africa

In light of President-elect Donald Trump's administration’s threat to mass deport millions of undocumented immigrants, families with mixed immigration status are becoming increasingly fearful about applying for financial aid. Numerous education advocacy groups are advising these families to reconsider filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) due to fears of data privacy breaches. The National College Attainment Network has expressed uncertainty regarding the protection of personal documentation submitted through FAFSA, although such data is mandated to be used solely for determining federal financial assistance. The heightened fears stem from the current political climate, which has significantly increased concerns about how immigration enforcement might exploit FAFSA data despite long-standing protections against its use for immigration purposes. As a result, many college advising groups are taking a more cautious approach, encouraging mixed-status students to complete paper applications rather than online submissions, as a measure to safeguard their information. This dilemma highlights the complex intersection of education, immigration, and financial support in America, posing significant risks to students who require aid but fear that their applications could lead to family deportations. Amidst these concerns, some high school counselors continue to advocate for the completion of FAFSA, emphasizing that financial assistance is still available to those who qualify regardless of citizenship status. This creates a challenging environment for students who are caught between the desire for an education and the real fear of compromising their family’s safety.