Colorado State University Gives Undocumented Students Shut Out From Government Stimulus Funds $1,500 Each

Colorado State University is providing financial support to undocumented students who are not eligible for federal relief during the coronavirus pandemic.

One young woman who says she is an undocumented student there brought the assistance to light in a tweet, stating that the school had deposited $1,500 into undocumented students' bank accounts.

The reason, she said, was because "we can't get the stimulus check nor other federal financial assistance through the university."

In a statement sent to Newsweek, a Colorado State University (CSU) spokesperson confirmed the move.

"Colorado State University is committed to supporting all of our students during this very challenging time," the spokesperson said. "That support comes in many forms, including providing continued employment for many student workers, student support services offered both residentially and virtually, making sure CSU's food pantry program is helping students experiencing food insecurity, and providing and distributing grants to cover costs related to the pandemic."

"The CARES Act Emergency Aid has been a critical source of funding for many students at CSU, with more than $3.2 million going to more than 2,600 students to date. Unfortunately, some of our students do not qualify for CARES Act aid," the school spokesperson said.

"These populations include our international and undocumented students, as well as students who, for a variety of reasons, no longer qualify for federal student aid," they explained.

Under the CARES Act, which was signed into law on March 29, millions of families were slated to receive $1,200 per adult and up to $500 for each child under the age of 17.

However, undocumented residents who do not have social security numbers, including those with U.S.-born children or mixed-status parents, are not eligible for the funds.

As a result, many undocumented students impacted by the outbreak, including students covered by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, have been cut out of receiving support from the stimulus package, as well as from other federal initiatives.

In order to support these students, the CSU spokesperson said the university was "accessing state, institutional, and private funding sources."

"As part of that overall support, the university has provided varying levels of aid outside of CARES funds to about 400 such students, including 218 undocumented Coloradans who qualify for in-state tuition via the ASSET bill," which allows eligible undocumented students to qualify for in-state tuition.

As part of the effort, the CSU spokesperson said, each of the 218 undocumented students granted support were given $1,500 each.

"The university awarded those grants in the same manner that we awarded CARES Act funding, based on an assessment of student need," the school spokesperson said.

CSU is not alone in giving support to undocumented students during the coronavirus crisis.

In California, university aid has also been dedicated to undocumented students, including DACA students, who are not eligible to receive federal funds.