California is allocating tens of millions of dollars to provide financial aid for undocumented immigrant students pursuing higher education, a policy that has drawn criticism from some California residents and political figures who are struggling with their own educational costs.
As of 2023, approximately 102,000 undocumented immigrants were enrolled in California colleges and universities, representing the largest population of such students in the United States. These students can benefit from state-funded grants, in-state tuition rates, waivers for community college fees, and subsidized loans, according to the New York Post.
The California Dream Act Application allows eligible undocumented students to apply for state financial aid, including Cal Grants, a program that cost an estimated $65 million upon its launch. Additionally, the California Dream Loan program offers subsidized loans to undocumented undergraduates who are ineligible for federal student loans. Qualifying undocumented students can also receive an AB 540 nonresident tuition exemption, allowing them to pay resident tuition rates at public institutions. At the community college level, undocumented students meeting educational requirements can receive the California College Promise Grant, which waives per-unit enrollment fees.
Some California natives expressed frustration with the system. Ava Schmidt, a University of Southern California (USC) senior, stated that she received limited financial aid, forcing her father to use retirement savings and take out loans to cover her tuition, which exceeds $75,000 annually. Schmidt, who works to afford living expenses, felt that she had earned her place at the university but was not receiving the same level of aid as undocumented students.
Cooper Vincik, a senior at Chapman University, expects to graduate with significant debt. He noted that while his friend's parents were undocumented immigrants, he believed that other countries, including Mexico, would deport undocumented immigrants. Vincik also claimed that at his previous community college, undocumented students appeared to have greater access to financial assistance and received guidance on how to respond to immigration agents.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton criticized California's spending on aid for undocumented students, particularly in light of the state's financial situation and the cost of living for residents. Hilton has proposed cutting state-funded aid for undocumented students and lowering taxes for Californians.
A spokesperson for Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom defended the state's policies, stating that undocumented students do not receive more financial aid solely due to their immigration status. The spokesperson emphasized California's efforts to improve college affordability and access for all students, noting that a significant percentage of undergraduates across various types of institutions take out student loans. In the 2022-23 academic year, 23% of first-time, full-time California undergraduates held student loans, compared to 38% nationally.