Ideas for refugee student not yet received SSN

<p>I am working with a refugee student in the NE who seems to be reasonably fluent in English (she is from French speaking Africa) who wants to apply to college. I am not sure if her SSN will come thru soon, or ever. Any suggestions as to colleges that would consider her? She has just applied to the large state flagship, but I think that if the computer does not spit her out due to no SSN, the place itself will spit her out. The only places that I think would consider her are in the midwest, and I don't know if she would be willing to go that far. (In applying to the flagship she was going to live "at home" until it was pointed out that she would need to ride 1.5 hours each way in a car, every day, so she may not fully get the American system at this moment). CC may be a possibility but I think the local CC now also requires a SSN. If you want to PM me on this, or hint, that is fine (better empty my box) as I know that can be a sensitive topic. I have described her situation as it was presented to me, though it may be more complex. The SSN according to her should come thru in about 3 months, but I would not lay bets myself.</p>

<p>Unfortunately, there is no way around the SSN. If she applies without one, the FAFSA will reject. She will have HUGE problems if she tries to correct it once she does get her SSN. We tell students who file with an incorrect SSN not to correct the old one, but to file a totally new one. So in this case, she will need to hold off until she gets the SSN. The only exceptions to the need-SSN rule are certain residents of the Pacific Islands who don't need them.</p>

<p>Oh, duh ... you weren't talking about aid ... just admissions.</p>

<p>I was actually asking about ideas just for college suggestions. I know the FAFSA will present steep if not impossible problems, but one step at a time. I am wondering if anyone knows of colleges that may be interested in, or dedicated to, the justice cause that the college may see, around the refugee issue, and therefore might consider this student. It seems possible that a college supporting international students, or refugees, might have some financial alternatives in place for such students. Cross post!</p>

<p>I would think maybe a smaller state school would be a good bet. Urban schools are great, because the campuses are often very diverse. This would likely be a more comfortable place for a refugee than a less diverse school, and there may be some support services available, as well. If the student is going to need aid, though, this could be tricky. I wish I had some specific ideas, but I don't. Hopefully, someone here will, though.</p>

<p>The timing is one part of the challenge. I think student needs to be applying to colleges NOW, in the fall, for best consideration, and not wait until SSN may come through. I am hoping the SSN issue is taken care of by January. Audacious but.....we are living audacity right now, right??!! :D</p>

<p>You could try doing a google search for the particular refugee country and colleges. You might hit on schools that have student populations/groups from this particular country. Also, if there is a city where there is a concentration of people from this country, there might be a school nearby that caters to the particular population. There also might be groups in that area that are dedicated to helping people from that country.</p>

<p>Ooooh, nice idea! I find new ways to use the internet all the time--that never crossed my mind! Will do--tomorrow, though, I think!</p>

<p>I hope it works! Good luck. And don't discount the possibility of financial aid. If she has the proper refugee status, she can receive aid. I will look for the refugee codes Monday at work & pm them to you.</p>

<p>Thanks!! (CC is Sooo addictive when I actually log on!)</p>

<p>In MA, we have MIRA (Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition - MIRA</a> Coalition: Higher Education Opportunity for Immigrant Students) which has lots of information and advice based on past experience of working with refugees and also students without SSNs. I know there is a similar group in Vermont too, so, depending on your state, there might be an organization that could give specific advice.</p>

<p>Thanks for the reference for MIRA!</p>

<p>Ditto!! This is the first time I have seen this particular resource for this information--thanks so much!</p>

<p>Very cool! Thanks ... I plan to go through the info to help train myself in this area.</p>