About Mixed-Status Family Students

Mixed-status family students are students that are either: 1) undocumented, but have family members that are U.S. residents or U.S. citizens or 2) are U.S. residents or U.S. citizens but have family members that are undocumented.

• Citizen students with undocumented parents can qualify for most forms of federal financial assistance. To discuss eligibility, contact the Office of Financial Aid.
• Citizens are eligible for services to maintain well-being. These programs usually refer to food stamps, Medicaid, TANF, housing assistance and SSI benefits.
• Non-citizens’ eligibility for services depends on their status and on the source of funding.
• Undocumented immigrants are barred from access to any means-tested benefits, but can receive emergency medical assistance that includes medical assistance during pregnancy.
• Lawful immigrants are generally restricted from participating in federally-funded means-tested benefits for the first 5 years of their legal status. During this time, assistance may be available through some states’ programs or limited private sector programs by nonprofit or faith organizations.
• Refugees, asylees, and some victims of domestic abuse will qualify for more generous federal and state programs than the undocumented and some legal permanent residents.

• Confusion over eligibility rules leads to a reduction in benefit use.
• Eligibility depends on the status of the person receiving benefits (e.g. a child, but not the parent). However, confusion and fear regarding eligibility rules has caused a reduction in benefit use.
• In mixed-status families, there is reluctance to seek benefits even for those who are eligible.
  • Many families with non-citizen members fear interaction with government officials.
  • Many families also worry about being perceived as a “public charge.” These situations results in a “chilling effect” in which eligible members do not receive the benefits to which they are entitled.
• The unequal status of family members may cause tensions/divisions
  • Although part of the same family, one sibling may have access to resources another does not or one parent may have access to resources another does not.
  • Although both citizens, a child in one family may have greater access to resources than a child in another family due to the status of the parents.