<p>Can a US citizen student get financial aid if her parents are "out of status" or currently undocumented? Will this unfavorably affect her chances?</p>
<p>If it matters, both parents have valid SSNs and file income taxes regularly.</p>
<p>Yes you are eligible for federal aid (FAFSA) and it is good that your parents have valid social security numbers. Since you are a citizen it should not affect your chance of admittance. Do check with your particular state institution regarding your eligibility for in-state or out-of-state tuition as there is variation state to state in this regard. I’m not sure what “out of status” means technically, but if they are in the process of extending their visa you can address this if it comes up at some point in the process.</p>
<p>Thank you for the feedback, momof3.</p>
<p>I have emailed my in-state college and explained the situation and hope to hear from them.
I have also applied to a number of private colleges. Would I be at a disadvantage if I disclose this information to them? I am a bit apprehensive especially when I read articles (including certain threads on this forum) where people express outrage at the idea of aid being given to children of illegal immigrants even though the children themselves are citizens. I can only hope that the colleges I applied to are more compassionate and understanding.</p>
<p>In my parents’ case, they came here on student visas. After their visas expired, they filed for permanent residency. But since it is a family based 4th preference category, it has taken years and years to be processed. The only thing they can do is wait for their priority date to become current and that’s the only time they can be issued green cards. So for now, they are “out of status”.</p>
<p>I’m sorry but I can’t answer your question. The financial forms for private colleges can ask for different types of information regarding your family finances, etc. and I cannot begin to guess how your parents are working etc. etc. Your citizenship status apparently is not in question. Also, “Out of status” can have different meanings. If your parents are now in a situation where deportation is a concern that may influence how much information they are comfortable to disclose. If they are working with an immigration attorney perhaps they are secure with their current situation and you have no concerns. Hopefully someone who has more experience with this will chime in.</p>