Undocumented students are often burdened with the fear of deportation, along with the other burdens shared by all students, like figuring out how to pay rising tuition costs. Although there is federally-funded financial aid, such as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and loans, undocumented students do not qualify for federal financial aid.
While undocumented students continue to have obstacles in pursuing a college degree, VanCougs are fighting for the education of next generation ‘DREAMers.’
On Feb. 6, students and supporters from the Washington Student Association and Associated Students of Washington State University Vancouver, presented Senate Bill 6561, a bill that would provide state-funded student loan programs for students who are ineligible to apply for federal financial aid. The bill was presented to The Senate of Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee in Olympia, Washington.
Two members of WSA developed the bill last year, drawing inspiration from “The California Dream Act,” a bill that provides state-based financial aid and institutional funding for undocumented students in the state of California.
Ana Betancourt Macias is a senior sociology major and serves as vice president of ASWSUV. Guillermo Rogel Jr. is the executive director of the WSA. The pair, who developed the bill, explained they wanted to provide better financial security for undocumented students pursuing college.
Coining the term ‘undoculoans,’ Betancourt Macias explained this bill would provide access for student loans specifically to undocumented students in Washington.
Betancourt Macias said the bill has potential to impact WSU Vancouver students in a big way and provide fair opportunities for undocumented students to attend college while having a sustainable income.
“This bill has so much potential to level the playing field because rent is not free. Emergencies, whether that being medical or car emergencies, are not free. This bill could potentially be the difference between graduating, or dropping out of college,” Betancourt Macias said.
While fighting for Senate Bill 6561, students from WSU Pullman and Eastern Washington University showed up to the hearing in support. Davina Cepeda, president of ASWSUV and a senior integrated strategic communications major, shared how she felt when the bill was gaining momentum.
“When dealing with these key issues, it always starts off as an idea and formulates to this intangible thing. So, it’s inspiring to me because it made me realize these opportunities are limitless. No matter what the decision is, I think it will inspire me to just advocate and continue to push things forward … If we can make it this far, what’s to say we can’t push other boundaries?” Cepeda said.
Betancourt Macias, who has a personal connection to the bill because she herself is undocumented, commented on how the bill could impact the future generation of undocumented students.
“It’s not that [the bill] is going to impact me personally, but, I think that a lot of students of color, a lot of undocumented students of color, had fought for me to be here … Because of them, I am here. So, this is our gift to the next generation that is coming in … I want to make sure that the next generation has it easier than how we had it,” Betancourt Macias said.
Andrea Alejandre, senior social sciences major and director of legislative affairs of ASWSUV, lobbied the bill on behalf of undocumented students. Alejandre explained how the bill will have an impact on WSU Vancouver’s campus because of the community’s demographics.
“We do have a lot of undocumented students on campus and I do know of a lot of people who do have financial struggles because we can’t apply for certain loans or aids. This bill would step in and close that gap between funding. It’s campus specific because we are a commuter campus, so, people do have to work usually one or two jobs while going to school,” Alejandre said. “This way if someone were to say ‘this is gonna be my last year going to school because I can’t afford to go back’ this could jump in and help significantly with finances.”
Chancellor of WSU Vancouver Mel Netzhammer explained WSU Vancouver’s commitment to supporting undocumented students’ education.
“WSU Vancouver, as an institution, is committed to the success of our undocumented students. But it’s the people who serve our students who manifest that commitment every day … This is a great time for the legislature to begin its consideration of ‘undoculoans.’ The legislature already has made financial aid available to undocumented Washington residents, and the ‘undoculoans’ project would increase access to higher education for even more students,” Netzhammer said.
According to Alejandre, Senate Bill 6561 passed the senate by 34 to 14 seats and is declared a bipartisan vote. The bill will be sent back to the House of Representatives for a final vote.
Betancourt Macias explained her future plans if the bill does not pass and what that means moving forward.
“If the bill doesn’t pass, we’re going to go harder next legislative session. The implication is that it just doesn’t pass but, that doesn’t mean that it’s dead. So, what’s going to happen if it doesn’t pass? We’ll just go back next year and make sure that it passes,” Betancourt Macias said.
Update: As of Feb. 27, SB 6561 passed in the House of Representatives with “bipartisan support,” according to a Facebook post by Andrea Alejandre. According to a Facebook post by Betancourt Macias, there were 13 votes in favor and and four votes against.
Emily is a senior studying integrated strategic communication at WSU Vancouver.