This study examines the bureaucratic obstacles faced by citizen Latina/o college students with undocumented parents when applying for financial aid. Drawing on semi-structured interviews, participants described barriers encountered when parental information was required for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Findings reveal that documentation requirements restrict access to educational resources, particularly in three areas: parent demographics, parent income information, and parent signatures. These bureaucratic hurdles can lead to delays, denials, or reduced aid, producing consequences that resemble illegality despite students’ legal citizenship status. The study underscores the need for policy reforms to promote equitable access to higher education.
Jaqueline Mendez (Tue,) studied this question.