Dream Act Application Deadline Approaching

February 22, 2017

The deadline for undocumented students to apply for state financial aid under California’s Dream Act is Thursday, March 2.

State officials believe that fear and confusion over federal immigration policy changes are discouraging students from applying to the Dream Act, which allows undocumented students to receive state financial aid and pay in-state tuition. The number of applications received this year is down significantly: as of last week, California had received fewer than 20,000 applications, down more than 60 percent from last year.

Information that students provide in the Dream Act application is only used to determine if they are eligible for financial aid, and is not shared with any other government agencies, according to the California Student Aid Commission, which oversees the program.

California’s Dream Act is not connected to the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Multiple state officials have said that the Dream Act will remain legal in California regardless of what may happen at the national level.

Students who are eligible can complete the Dream Act Application online. This application can also be used to apply for Cal Grants awarded by the California Student Aid Commission. More information about the Dream Act and its eligibility requirements are on LTCC’s website.