Tulane is home to over 1,400 international students representing over 89 different countries as well as an undocumented student community and students authorized under DACA. Funding is a scarce resource for these students because they are not eligible for federal or state aid, including work-study, and are ineligible for most loans. Many are excelling in their fields of study, contributing to research and innovation, and helping to make a better world for all of us.
In 2018, the Office of International Students and Scholars in collaboration with the Undocumented Student Support Committee (USSC) launched the International/Undocumented Student Emergency Fund. The fund was able to surpass the original goal of $10,000 and reached more than $15,000. However, the fund remains entirely donor supported and students are constantly in need of support. We hope to keep the donations coming in order to sustain the fund.
For undocumented students and students authorized under DACA, “living without legal immigration status brings higher levels of stress and constant financial insecurity [which] negatively affects undocumented youths’ morale, sense of wellness, beliefs about the future, and sense of hope.” (Kamal, F. & Killian, K.D. Refuge, [2017]. Invisible Lives and Hidden Realities of Undocumented Youth, Refuge, 31 (2), 65).
Access to an emergency fund will help these students swiftly traverse financial challenges and lower their anxiety levels. Community support is integral to ensuring that these students can remain at Tulane. We ask for your assistance in securing a bright future for this student population. Every dollar counts. It will help alleviate students’ financial burdens and help them continue their studies and persist towards graduation.
Guidelines for Requesting Funds
The International and Undocumented Student Emergency Fund provides emergency assistance to a limited number of students per academic year.
Funds may be requested in emergency circumstances for items such as:
- Books
- Classes
- Health Care
- Housing
- Self-care
- Legal Needs
The emergency fund is meant for truly unexpected circumstances. Given the limits of our resources, we are generally unable to provide funding related to airfare.
Any remaining funds will be used to respond to unforeseen financial hardships/emergencies for this population of students, such as parental job loss, currency devaluation, medical conditions, etc. Funds will generally be given as one-time awards, and award decisions will be made based on the applicant’s individual situation. Amounts awarded are subject to the limited availability of funds per year and the applicant may not receive the total amount requested.
Resources for Undocumented and Students with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
