Bloomberg Línea — Undocumented immigrant students in the US will be able to receive financial support to study in New York state’s universities, according to the late Senator Jose Peralta’s DREAM Act.
Peralta was the first Hispanic to win an election to serve in the New York state Assembly. He died in 2018.
To be eligible for financial aid, scholarships and other forms of state funding, several basic requirements must be met.
First, the student must have a permanent home in New York State. In addition, they must meet one of the following options: have a U-Visa; have a T-Visa; have no legal immigration status; or have Temporary Protected Status.
Other criteria to apply include having attended a high school in New York state for at least two years, having graduated from a high school, having enrolled in a college or university to earn a college degree, having earned a high school equivalency diploma in New York, or having in-state tuition rates for New York residents at a SUNY or CUNY college or university for “a reason other than residency”.
Step-by-step
A student seeking financial aid from New York State, including TAP, for the first time must pass a federally approved ATB exam identified by the Board of Regents if the student does not possess a U.S. high school diploma or its recognized equivalent.
The requirements and application for access to this undocumented financial aid program can be found on the website www.nysdreams.applyists.net.
- Upon logging on, the student must create an account using his or her email address
- Students who meet the eligibility criteria may apply for one or more grant and scholarship programs administered by HESC
- Applicants without legal immigration status will not be asked for a home address and will not be required to upload financial records
- Once you have submitted an application, it is your responsibility to check the status of your application online
- You will be notified by email when a determination has been made regarding eligibility for each award for which an individual has applied
- For certain awards, you must sign a contract agreeing to live and/or work in New York State for a required number of years after graduation as a condition.
Below is the step-by-step guide for the application process (in Spanish):
With this new law, New York seeks not only to provide support to undocumented students who wish to pursue higher education, but also to promote equal educational opportunities in that US state.