DNA Lady
An article in the New York Times dated January 1, 2010 tells the story of 4 undocumented students, leaving from Florida on the 1500 mile trek to the nation's Capital to highlight the need for Immigration Reform. The four young men plan on visiting different state offices along the way to speak directly to representatives who are not voting in favor of reform.
Their particular plight is timely because high school students are now in the process of submitting their Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA) applications. Many students have been accepted to the schools of their dreams but College costs what they are today, there are few who can attend without financial assistance. Federal Financial Aid is available to U.S. Citizens or those with Resident or Permanency Cards. Undocumented students are not eligible for Federal Aid and as of this writing, New Jersey is debating on whether the very same undocumented students should be eligible for in-state aid. It was surprising to note in a few conversations this week with local school associations that the "eligibility" requirement was not clear to some.
One of the young men involved in the march from Florida to Washington, was accepted to Duke University but is not able to attend because he is not eligible for Federal Student Financial Aid. All of the young men are placing themselves at risk for deportation by this public display. How sad for them to have come so far and worked so hard - only to be set back by circumstances and events beyond his control. Had their families thought about correcting their U.S. status while these young men were still in elementary or high school, then at least one would be attending Duke University instead of marching to Washington.
Financial Aid Counselors may find it difficult to bring this subject up to certain students. In this day of "political correctness"; maybe it would be considered rude for a counselor to broach the subject with a student or his family. But I think the consequences far outweigh the possible "profiling" nature of the subject. Since it is high school guidance and financial aid counselors who come into contact with students - it should be incumbent on the counselors to let the families know that DNA tests can expedite family based visas. Since there is the usual paperwork and bureaucracy involved, starting the process while the children are either in elementary or early in high school is recommended. Local Legal Aid Societies and other not for profit agencies are all involved in assisting undocumented families become reunited and achieve permanency in the United States.
The United States needs more young people with the fortitude and courage that these young men exhibit.
The DNA Lady, owns a DNA collection facility in Metuchen, NJ. If you need a referral to one of the not for profit agencies in your area, call 732-632-8820 and we will supply names, phone numbers and addresses of someone nearby depending on your circumstances - either not for profit or of legal counsel.
FAFSA applications also require that parents' disclose full financial information, irrespective of the parent's role in the child's life. If you need a DNA test to prove/disprove Paternity or Maternity, or any other biological relationship - we're here to help, as well.
Their particular plight is timely because high school students are now in the process of submitting their Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA) applications. Many students have been accepted to the schools of their dreams but College costs what they are today, there are few who can attend without financial assistance. Federal Financial Aid is available to U.S. Citizens or those with Resident or Permanency Cards. Undocumented students are not eligible for Federal Aid and as of this writing, New Jersey is debating on whether the very same undocumented students should be eligible for in-state aid. It was surprising to note in a few conversations this week with local school associations that the "eligibility" requirement was not clear to some.
One of the young men involved in the march from Florida to Washington, was accepted to Duke University but is not able to attend because he is not eligible for Federal Student Financial Aid. All of the young men are placing themselves at risk for deportation by this public display. How sad for them to have come so far and worked so hard - only to be set back by circumstances and events beyond his control. Had their families thought about correcting their U.S. status while these young men were still in elementary or high school, then at least one would be attending Duke University instead of marching to Washington.
Financial Aid Counselors may find it difficult to bring this subject up to certain students. In this day of "political correctness"; maybe it would be considered rude for a counselor to broach the subject with a student or his family. But I think the consequences far outweigh the possible "profiling" nature of the subject. Since it is high school guidance and financial aid counselors who come into contact with students - it should be incumbent on the counselors to let the families know that DNA tests can expedite family based visas. Since there is the usual paperwork and bureaucracy involved, starting the process while the children are either in elementary or early in high school is recommended. Local Legal Aid Societies and other not for profit agencies are all involved in assisting undocumented families become reunited and achieve permanency in the United States.
The United States needs more young people with the fortitude and courage that these young men exhibit.
The DNA Lady, owns a DNA collection facility in Metuchen, NJ. If you need a referral to one of the not for profit agencies in your area, call 732-632-8820 and we will supply names, phone numbers and addresses of someone nearby depending on your circumstances - either not for profit or of legal counsel.
FAFSA applications also require that parents' disclose full financial information, irrespective of the parent's role in the child's life. If you need a DNA test to prove/disprove Paternity or Maternity, or any other biological relationship - we're here to help, as well.
