Undocumented Student Resources

Welcome!

Shoreline Community College strives to be a welcoming space for all, recognizing that safety and security are vital to student success. While there are no state or federal laws that prohibit the admission of undocumented individuals to any public or private universities in Washington State, we acknowledge that other barriers to education do exist. On this page, we offer resources that students may find helpful in their path to shaping their educational and career goals at Shoreline and beyond.

The Law

Who are DREAMers?

DREAMers are immigrants who came to the United States as children and remain undocumented.

DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)

The DACA program helps undocumented young people (who meet certain requirements) gain temporary immigration protections, including a work permit and protection from deportation. Students with DACA status may qualify for state residency. For more information, please see the Student Residency information on the WASFA website.

SB 6523/The Real Hope Act/Washington Dream Act (state financial aid)
Signed into law in 2014, the REAL Hope Act allows undocumented non-citizens, who are unable to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) due to their immigration status, to apply for State Financial Aid (Washington College Grant) through the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) application if they are attending public colleges in Washington.

HB 1079 (in-state tuition)
Signed into law in 2013, HB 1079 effectively redefined the term "resident student," making qualifying undocumented Students eligible to pay in-state tuition at state colleges and universities.

Contact Us

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility
Admin (1000) Building, Room 1019

Email
DEIA@shoreline.edu

Immigration Support Resources

Contact Us

Transitional Studies
FOSS (5000) Building, Room 5328

Email
tstudies@shoreline.edu

 

Link to SCC policy on Immigration Enforcement – PDF 

Admissions 

Our campus is open to all prospective students, regardless of citizenship. If you believe that Shoreline Community College is the right fit for your goals, we encourage you to start the application process. View our New Student Checklist for a walkthrough on how to enroll.

Apply Now

 

Eligibility + Residency

Residency and Senate Bill 5194 (formerly HB 1079)
Effective July 25, 2021, Senate Bill 5194 significantly changes Washington’s tuition equity law. Section nine of the bill amends RCW 28B.15.012(2)(e), making it easier for all Washingtonians, including and especially undocumented students, to meet residency requirements for tuition and state financial aid. Since 2003, this part of residency law has been known informally as “HB 1079” for the bill that created it. This law may be met by any student, regardless of citizenship or legal immigration status. It is one of the many ways that students can meet residency requirements. The other ways to meet residency requirements still exist.

 

Requirements for SB 5194
To be a resident student under this law, students must:

  • Earn a high school diploma, GED, or diploma equivalent before their first term at the college determining residency,
  • Maintain a primary residence in Washington for at least 12 consecutive months immediately before their first term at the college determining residency, and
  • Sign an affidavit saying they meet the above requirements and that one of the following is true:
    They will file an application to become a permanent resident of the United States as soon as they are eligible to apply. And, that they are willing to engage in activities designed to prepare them for citizenship, including citizenship or civics review courses or
  • They are a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or U.S. permanent resident.

 

Claiming residency under SB 5194
Complete and submit an application for admission and the Washington Higher Education Residency Affidavit . The affidavit is a confidential statement verifying that the student qualifies to pay resident tuition, that they will seek legal permanent residency of the United States as soon as eligible to apply and is willing to engage in activities designed to prepare for citizenship, including citizenship or civics review courses.

 

Enrollment Services
FOSS (5000) Building, Room 5200
enrollmentservices@shoreline.edu
(206) 546-4611

 

Funding
Undocumented non-citizen students are eligible for state financial aid through the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA).

 

Foundation Scholarships
The Shoreline Community College Foundation is a non-profit organization that works to fund various scholarships for Shoreline students. While some awards have specific criteria, most scholarships are available to undocumented students.

 

For additional information on Funding,
Financial Aid
Financialaid@shoreline.edu
(206) 546-4762

 

Starting College

The guides below offer information on researching colleges, navigating the enrollment process and perspectives from first-generation college students.

Campus Resources

  • Multicultural Center
    A student center focused on engaging the entire campus to create a climate of inclusion, equity, and access.
  • Student Counseling Center
    Provides enrolled student access to free and confidential personal, career, educational, and crisis counseling, as well as referrals to community resources.
  • Employee Counseling Services
    Free counseling and referrals for employees of the College through the Washington State Employee Assistance Program. Participation is voluntary and confidential.

 

How to support undocumented students
A prevalent concern for many students is privacy. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (1974) protects the rights of all student education records. This act applies to all public and private educational institutions and agencies that receive funding from the Department of Education. View an overview of FERPA in Spanish.

Additionally, there are many ways in which we can support an individual's ability to feel safe, welcome and encouraged in our shared spaces.