Things to Know

Undocumented students
Students who have entered the U.S. without inspection or legal permission. Undocumented students can attend colleges in Illinois, and have access to institutional aid, but do not qualify for federal aid and shouldn't fill out the FAFSA.

Dream Act
National legislation that would provide immigrants who entered the U.S. as minors a pathway to adjust their immigration status. The act was not passed; however, many states have passed related legislation at the state level.

Dreamers
Referring to the Dream Act, undocumented individuals sometimes elect to be identified as Dreamers.

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
A 2012 presidential directive, which provides protection against deportation proceedings for an amount of time. Newly "DACAmented" students are supplied with a social security number for work purposes only. DACA must be renewed every two years; it's future is currently unknown given the current political climate.

Mixed-status family
Families consisting of individuals with varying immigration statuses e.g., U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents, those with DACa, or those without legal status.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. It gives parents certain rights with respect to their children's education records.

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPPA)
A United States legislation that provides data privacy and security provisions for safeguarding medical information.