How the FAFSA Could Become a New Tool for Immigration Enforcement
"As prospective and current Brown students approach the Feb. 1 financial aid application deadline, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid could pose potential risks for students with parents who are lacking permanent legal status," The Brown Daily Herald reports.
... "For parents, 'there’s a box you check that says ‘I don’t have a social security number,’' said Jill Desjean, a senior policy analyst at the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators."
"The Biden administration’s policy was 'not to share FAFSA data' to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, but whether Trump chooses to continue this policy remains to be seen, Desjean said. Under the Privacy Act of 1974, Desjean said another agency could require the Department of Education to share information for immigration enforcement."
"The Department of Education and the White House did not respond to The Herald’s requests for comment."
"'We’re telling families it’s a personal decision' whether to fill out the FAFSA, Desjean said."
... "If a student has filled out a FAFSA in years past, 'your data is already at the Department of Education,' Desjean said. Regardless of whether a student resubmits the FAFSA this year, the information they previously provided is already on file."
NASFAA's "Notable Headlines" section highlights media coverage of financial aid to help members stay up to date with the latest news. Articles included under the notable headlines section are not written by NASFAA, but rather by external sources. Inclusion in Today's News does not imply endorsement of the material or guarantee the accuracy of information presented.
Publication Date: 1/29/2025
