Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Student Financial Aid Immigrant topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Senate committee adopts resolution urging protections for immigrant students around FAFSA and financial aid
Summary
ACR 40, a nonbinding resolution expressing legislative support for immigrant students and urging protections for family data on FAFSA, passed the committee unanimously after student leaders described fear-driven declines in federal aid applications.
The Senate Education Committee unanimously adopted ACR 40, a resolution expressing support for immigrant students in California and urging that personal information collected on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) not be used for purposes beyond financial aid.
Assemblymember Fong introduced the resolution and emphasized the economic and social contributions of immigrant Californians. Student leaders from the California Community Colleges and University of California systems described how fear and technical problems have reduced FAFSA participation, particularly among students from mixed‑status households.
"For many of us, college is supposed to be about learning, building a future, and finding our place in the world," AJ Matthews, representing the Student Senate for California Community Colleges, said during testimony. Speakers testified that fear of data being used by immigration authorities has discouraged some families from applying for financial aid.
The committee recorded support from multiple student, faculty and system representatives, including the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office and the California Student Aid Commission. No recorded opposition appeared. The resolution passed on a recorded roll call and was put on call by the committee.
Why it matters: Declines in FAFSA participation can reduce access to federal and state aid and depress college enrollment and completion among immigrant and mixed‑status households.
What's next: As a concurrent resolution, ACR 40 registers legislative concern and urges federal and state actors to protect applicant data and encourage FAFSA completion.
