The Bruce and Kathy Pitman Emergency Fund is the only pandemic-specific source of funding available to undocumented and international students right now as they are unable to receive federal or state sourced funds.
In addition, the University of Idaho does not track undocumented students.
“Any undocumented students who may be enrolled at U of I fall under international students and have the same access to aid as all other international students,” Jodi Walker, UI director of communications, said. “International students are not eligible for state or federal funds.”
The emergency fund helps UI students in need of financial assistance due to emergency situations that interfere with their academic progress. It provides grants designed to help relieve short-term financial distress. The grants are considered a form of taxable income.
The approval of funds for an applicant varies depending on the limits of available funds, documentation of need and eligibility. Legal fees, credit card debt and previous educational expenses are not accepted as a reason for financial need.
“Unfortunately, there aren’t many options available other than the Pitman dollars that come from generous donors,” Walker said.
Yolanda Bisbee, chief diversity officer and executive director of tribal relations, said nationwide scholarships are another option for undocumented students.
“If there is a student facing financial challenges at the UI, we strongly encourage them to meet with their financial aid advisors,” Bisbee said. “The Office of Multicultural Affairs provides support services that will also help students connect with scholarship and internship resources across the nation.”
Five international students with specific needs were nominated by the International Programs Office to receive International Education emergency funding, but only one received the award.
“IPO has some out-of-state tuition waiver funding that we have been using to support international students facing financial hardship as we are able; we have also sought external emergency funding for international students,” Director of International Programs Aryn Baxter said.
According to the COVID-19 Q&A for international students, some international students may have received a stimulus check. Eligibility for stimulus checks depended on residency, annual income, a valid social security number and dependent status.
Only U.S. citizens living in the states were eligible, but some international students may have received a stimulus check because of a tax glitch. The stimulus checks, like the emergency fund money, are considered taxable income.
Politico reported a common mistake made by international students is using tax-filing systems like TurboTax which are designated for U.S. citizens only.
International students and undocumented students have a difference in residential status, Bisbee said. This can affect how they file taxes.
International students can attend college with either an F-1 or J-1 visa status. According to the current international student website, both require the applicant to show they do not intend to permanently stay in the United States during the visa interview.
Undocumented students are able to file taxes as a resident of the U.S. while international students visiting on visas can file taxes as a non-resident.
According to the university webpage, residential information is used for tuition determination purposes only.
Anteia McCollum can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @antxiam5