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Fairfield University Commitment
As a community, we share a commitment to inquiry and discernment, and a determination to serve as global citizens — supporting the dignity and essential human rights of all persons. Our universities are arguably our nation’s greatest long-standing institutions. This greatness stems in no small part from a global outlook, which at Fairfield is informed by our Jesuit values of respect and inclusion; in our approach to teaching, in the breadth of our scholarship, and through the students, faculty, and staff who become a part of our academic communities.
The above text is taken from a statement from President Mark R. Nemec, PhD
Campus Resources
Admission
Financial Aid
While undocumented students are not eligible for federal financial aid, Fairfield University offers several University-funded scholarships for which undocumented students can apply. All students should complete the CSS profile, regardless of citizenship status, to determine eligibility for institutional aid.
Counseling and Psychological Services
Counseling and Psychological Services can provide students with a safe and confidential space to process any issues that arise from the impact of the new legislation. Acute stress reactions, anxiety, grief and depression are some of the common psychological reactions that might arise and we can help students develop resilience and coping skills to deal with whatever faces them. Our team of licensed, clinical professionals is here to help and support students in whatever way we can.
Center for Social Impact
The Fairfield University Dream Fund Scholarship, facilitated by the Center for Social Impact, is available to undocumented students at Fairfield University. Common uses include room and board, health insurance, small gaps in tuition, books, field trips and extracurricular program expenses, etc. Award amounts range from $100 to $5,000.
Office of Student Diversity & Multicultural Affairs
Campus Ministry
Dean of Students
FAQs, Definitions & Legislation
- National Immigration Law Center FAQ on BRIDGE Act
- BRIDGE Act, sponsored by Rep. Mike Coffman, R-Colo.
The Development Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act is a proposed piece of legislation to provide a pathway to permanent residency and U.S. citizenship for qualified undocumented immigrant students. The DREAM Act has been proposed several times in Congress but has not been approved. Dream Act of 2017 sponsored by Sens. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., and Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.
Recognizing America's Children Act, sponsored by Rep. Carlos Curbelo, R-Fla.
The American Hope Act, sponsored by Rep. Luis Gutierrez, D-Ill.
- What is DACA?
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services statement on DACA:
- “On June 15, 2012, the Secretary of Homeland Security announced that certain people who came to the United States as children and meet several key guidelines may request consideration of deferred action for a period of two years, subject to renewal, and would then be eligible for work authorization. Individuals who can demonstrate through verifiable documentation that they meet these guidelines will be considered for deferred action. Determinations will be made on a case-by-case basis under the DACA guidelines.”
- Immigration Equality FAQ about DACA
- Undocumented Student: “Undocumented” refers to students who are not U.S. citizens or Permanent Residents of the United States, who do not hold a visa to reside in the U.S., and who have not applied for legal residency in the U.S. In many, but not all, cases the term non-citizen refers to undocumented students. Undocumented students are eligible to apply for and be admitted to LUC. Undocumented students are not eligible for federal financial aid.
- Unauthorized: This term has been used as a synonym for undocumented, however this term is used to highlight the fact that all peoples have documents (i.e. birth certificate, a form of identification card, and so forth), but that they are residing in the U.S. without legal authorization, thus unauthorized.
- Legal Citizenship: Is obtained by individuals who are residing in the U.S. legally due to the attainment of permanent residency or citizenship through a visa or green card. These individuals obtain a social security number (SSN).
- Cultural Citizenship: Undocumented people who participate in and are acknowledged for their cultural resiliency and social reproduction that they participate in. Undocumented people take part in the class, cultural, and linguistic knowledge and skills that establish the cultural capital of social groups in the U.S.
- Non-Citizen: The non-citizen category applies to students who are not U.S. citizens or Permanent Residents of the United States and who do not hold a valid visa or who are not seeking a visa for study or documentation for residency in the U.S.
- Overstayed Visa: Refers to individuals who have stayed in the U.S. after their tourist, visitor, or student visa has expired and thus they become undocumented by overstaying their visa.
- International Student: (need to research for Fairfield) Undocumented students are not viewed as international applicants because many do not qualify for a visa. In addition, undocumented students do not have to go through the international admission process.
- Residency Status: Refers to in-state or out-of-state residency for purposes of tuition assessment.
Local Resources
National Resources