Enrollment Decline of Low-Income Undocumented Students in California’s Public Universities
In 2019, a rally outside the U.S. Supreme Court brought attention to the issue of undocumented students in the wake of President Donald Trump’s decision to end the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The University of California took the case to the court, sparking a debate on policies affecting low-income undocumented students in California’s public universities. A recent study by William C. Kidder of the UCLA Civil Rights Project and Kevin R. Johnson of the UC Davis School of Law revealed a significant 50% decline in newly enrolled low-income undocumented students at the University of California and California State University between 2016-17 and 2022-23.
Impact of Policy Proposals on Undocumented Student Enrollment
The study comes at a crucial moment as policymakers debate measures aimed at reducing the financial burden on undocumented students, who are ineligible for federal Pell Grants and often lack legal work permits. California Governor Gavin Newsom recently vetoed Assembly Bill 2586, also known as the Opportunity for All Act, which would have allowed undocumented students to take on-campus jobs at public colleges and universities in the state. Newsom expressed concerns about the potential legal consequences of the bill and called for clarity from the courts regarding its legality.
In response to the veto, Kevin R. Johnson emphasized the importance of financial support for undocumented students, suggesting scholarships, fee remissions, and other forms of assistance as alternatives to lawful employment. With the DACA program no longer processing new applicants due to legal challenges, undocumented students face increased barriers to accessing higher education in California.
Decline in Dream Act Awardees
Kidder and Johnson’s study sheds light on the decline in Dream Act awardees at both CSU and UC campuses. The rescission of DACA by the Trump administration in 2017 has had a significant impact on the enrollment of undocumented students, with new and returning Dream Act awardees dropping by 30% at CSU and 31% at UC between 2019-20 and 2022-23. This decline surpasses the decrease in other Cal Grant awardees at both systems, highlighting the challenges faced by undocumented students in accessing higher education.
Policy Implications for Undocumented Student Enrollment
The study underscores the need for comprehensive support for undocumented students in California’s public universities. The shift in enrollment patterns, with fewer Dream Act awardees attending UC and CSU campuses, raises concerns about the accessibility of higher education for undocumented students. While the federal government’s stance on DACA remains a significant obstacle, state university officials can play a crucial role in advocating for policies that support undocumented students.
Call for Action to Support Undocumented Students
Johnson urges universities to consider innovative approaches to support undocumented students, such as creating scholarships and funding opportunities. He challenges the notion of risk aversion in addressing the needs of undocumented students, emphasizing the importance of universities taking a proactive stance on issues affecting marginalized communities. By prioritizing the educational success of undocumented students, CSU and UC can contribute to a more inclusive and equitable higher education system in California.
Conclusion
The enrollment decline of low-income undocumented students in California’s public universities is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention from policymakers, university officials, and the broader community. As the debate on supporting undocumented students continues, it is essential to consider the long-term implications of exclusion and barriers to higher education. By prioritizing the needs of undocumented students and advocating for inclusive policies, CSU and UC can pave the way for a more equitable and accessible higher education system in California.