There are a few ways that someone can become undocumented:
- Entered the U.S. with some sort of immigration status that has since expired
- Entered the U.S. without inspection
- Submitted an immigration application/petition that has denied, yet continued to remain in the U.S.
- Lived in the U.S. for most of their lives but lack a way to become a legal resident or citizen of the U.S.
Yes. UNK is committed to providing a high quality education to all qualified students, regardless of background – including citizenship status.
State legislation under Legislative Bill 239 (2006) allows the University of Nebraska to grant in-state tuition classification to undocumented students. To be considered, Nebraska students must complete and submit an addendum to their application. For help or additional information, call the UNK Office of Undergraduate Admissions at 308-865-8526 or email admissions@unk.edu.
Yes. Although you do not have access to state or federal financial aid, you do have access to private donor scholarships, if you meet their eligibility requirements. Please click the external links below for info about scholarships and financial aid available to students regardless of immigration status:
STATE – NEBRASKA
NATIONAL
Students residing in Nebraska and fulfilling the requirements stated below are allowed to pay in-state tuition at public colleges and universities of Nebraska. (Legislative Bill 239 of the 99th Nebraskan Legislature)
Legislative Bill 239 of the 99th Nebraskan Legislature, which became law on July 13, 2006.
Requirements
Undocumented students must:
- Reside in Nebraska for at least three years prior to high school graduation/obtaining a GED.
- Graduate from a Nebraska public or private high school or obtain a GED
- Live with a parent or guardian while attending high school.
- Be registered as an entering college student no earlier than the 2006 fall semester.
- Provide an affidavit stating their intention to become a permanent resident at their earliest opportunity. If the parent ceases to reside in Nebraska, the student can retain resident status if the student has a bona fide intention to reside in Nebraska.
The leadership of the University of Nebraska today issued the following statement on the Supreme Court’s DACA ruling:
"Today's Supreme Court ruling affirms fundamental values on which the University of Nebraska and all of public higher education were built: Access, inclusion and opportunity. DACA students are valued members of our university family—talented, promising future leaders who are working hard to pursue the American dream. These young people deserve to feel safe and welcomed along the way, and today's decision offers them greater peace of mind as they work toward a brighter future. We will continue to do all we can to support the success and well-being of DACA students. Our university, our communities and our country are stronger when we ensure access to education for all."
Ted Carter
President, University of Nebraska System
Jeffrey P. Golda
Chancellor, University of Nebraska at Omaha and University of Nebraska Medical Center
Ronnie Green
Chancellor, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Doug Kristensen
Chancellor, University of Nebraska at Kearney
DACA & Undocumented Student Mental Health Resources
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Immigration Clinic, 402-472-3271 The Immigration Clinic handles certain types of immigration cases. The final decision regarding which types of cases and how many cases will be accepted by the Immigration Clinic rests with the faculty supervisor. The Immigration Clinic does not accept any deportation cases in which the client is being detained (held in custody) by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
National External Resources for Students
The information below is meant to provide further guidance and support to our students and staff. Responses to the below questions are informational only and do not constitute legal advice. Links to local and national immigration resources and UNK services are incorporated in the appropriate responses.
