Description
Tulane is home to over 1,400 international students, representing over 89 different countries, as well a dacamented/undocumented student community. Funding is a scarce resource for international/undocumented/dacamented students because they are not eligible for federal or state aid, including workstudy, and they are ineligible for most loans.
We have 24 students and scholars from four of the eight Travel Ban 3.0 countries: Chad, Iran, Libya, and Venezuela. Based on national averages, we estimate about 150 students at Tulane are dacamented (meaning they currently have DACA status) and undocumented. This population of students represents some of the best and brightest from around the world and we are so lucky they are a part of the Tulane community. For dacamented/undocumented students, “living without legal immigration status brings higher levels of stress and constant financial insecurity 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)
Many international/dacamented/undocumented students are excelling in their fields of study, contributing to research and innovation, and helping to make a better world for all of us. At the same time, they are facing great challenges and uncertainty in the current political climate. International students impacted by Travel Ban 3.0 have additional financial burdens and new regulations potentially limiting work authorization opportunities for international students are in the works. Dacamented/undocumented students’ future outlooks are constantly in flux and many are concerned that they could lose DACA coverage in the coming months.
Donations are applied to...
The International and Undocumented Student Emergency Fund will provide emergency assistance to a limited number of students per academic year. Funds will be used for items such as books, classes, health care, housing, self-care, transportation, legal needs. 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 availability of funds per year and the applicant may not receive the total amount requested.
Personal Message
May 16, 2018
Dear Donors,
Thanks to your generous donations, we raised $15,363! We are thrilled to see such a high level of support for this important cause.
This is the beginning of an ongoing impact for our students. If you would like to learn more about how you can help support international and undocumented students on a long-term basis, please contact giving@tulane.edu
If you would like to be informed of international and undocumented student initiatives at Tulane and/or you would like to get more involved, please note the following engagement opportunities:
Join an email list dedicated to updates related to the International/Undocumented Student Emergency Fund to receive information about the impact of the funds and other infrequent updates.
Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS)
If you live in the New Orleans area, visit the OISS Get Involved page to learn more about engaging with the international community at Tulane, including:
- Joining the International Student Advisory Board (current international students only)
- Joining the International Partners Outreach Group
- Attending or Volunteering at OISS Events and Programs
- Welcoming New International Students and Scholars
- Working for the Office of International Students and Scholars (current international students only)
Undocumented Student Support Committee
If you live in the New Orleans area, visit the Tulane Undocumented page to learn more about engaging with the undocumented community at Tulane, including:
- Joining the Undocumented Student Support Committee by emailing Nicole Ralston
- Attending an upcoming UndocuAlly Training
Thank you, once again, for your support!
In gratitude,
Kristy Magner
Director, Office of International Students and Scholars
Nicole Caridad Ralston
Program Manager, Center for Public Service
Undocumented Student Support Committee
Why are donations necessary?
Access to an emergency fund will help these students to swiftly traverse financial challenges and lower their anxiety levels. Community support is integral to ensuring that these students are able to remain at Tulane. We ask for your assistance in securing a bright future for this student population. Every dollar counts, and will help alleviate students’ financial burdens and help them continue their studies and persist towards graduation.