UVA lets illegal immigrant students skip out on enrollment deposit

The University of Virginia is permitting “undocumented” students to waive their $400 enrollment deposits.

On April 27, undocUVA — a student activist group — called on the university to “do better” in extending financial aid to classmates illegally present in the United States.

“Matriculating marginalized students without providing adequate resources for them is a strategy of exclusion,” said an undocUVA statement.

Matriculation is Not Enough: Statement Regarding the Continued Structural Exclusion and Neglect of Undocumented Students at the University of Virginia Ahead of Decision Day
undocUVA — April 27th, 2021 pic.twitter.com/EyHxSt8fTZ

— undocUVA (@undocUVA) April 27, 2021

According to the group, after speaking to University of Virginia Vice Provost for Enrollment Steve Farmer, the students were informed that “any undocumented student or student with DACA status who has been admitted” can email the admissions office to “have their enrollment deposit waived.” Students do not need to disclose their citizenship status in order to take advantage of the program.

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Indeed, the University of Virginia’s Students Financial Sources hosts a website entitled “Financial Resources for Undocumented Students.”

“Undocumented students or students with significant financial need are eligible for enrollment fee waivers,” reads the website, which directs students to the admissions office.

“Even though financial aid through UVA is not available to students with undocumented status, there are financial resources out there to help you plan how to fund your education,” continues the site. “We’ll be adding to this resource regularly as we become aware of more options that might be available to you.”

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The university’s website encouraged students to “follow undocUVA” on social media: “This active student organization has created a list of scholarships for which undocumented and DACA students are eligible.”

Members of undocUVA thanked those who had reposted their statement and pressured the university, as “this response would not have happened without you.”

Emergency Mutual Aid Update April 27, 2021 - 10 PM EST
—
Today we spoke to VP Farmer, Vice Provost for Enrollment, who updated us that any undocumented or DACA student who has been admitted can email Allyson Umali aumali@virginia.edu to have their enrollment deposit waived. (1/4) https://t.co/L0icg0zj1V pic.twitter.com/dl88DVTP3k

— undocUVA (@undocUVA) April 28, 2021

In the past, members of undocUVA have reportedly pushed members of the Virginia General Assembly to pass new financial aid opportunities to illegal immigrants.

In June of 2020, the University of Virginia unveiled for the first time that it would permit illegal immigrant students to apply and enroll.

Campus Reform reached out to the University of Virginia and undocUVA for comment; this article will be updated accordingly.

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