Education
Many asylum-pending students cannot access institutional scholarships because eligibility often requires FAFSA completion or permanent status.
How can campuses expand access to aid regardless of immigration status?
Speak during a public comment session at your university’s Board of Trustees meeting, requesting the creation of institutional scholarships that do not require FAFSA eligibility (most Florida public universities livestream and accept public comment).
Advocate through Student Government resolutions urging the administration to create a dedicated immigration resource advisor position within advising services.
Many immigrant students cannot turn internships into careers because of EAD delays and unstable work authorization.
How can campuses better support students with work eligibility barriers?
Petition university career services to host an on-campus legal clinic in partnership with Americans for Immigrant Justice.
Organize a student-led workshop explaining TPS renewal timelines and Employment Authorization Document (EAD) rights using USCIS public guidance.
Many immigrant students struggle to access on-campus banking and receive refunds smoothly.
How can campuses make financial services more inclusive?
Advocate for partnerships between your university and ITIN-accepting credit unions such as We Florida Financial Credit Union.
Organize immigrant-focused financial literacy sessions in collaboration with campus foundations.
Many immigrant families lack clear guidance on navigating tuition classification and scholarship systems.
How can the local community strengthen college access support?
Volunteer with TheDream.US partner colleges to assist with scholarship awareness events for immigrant students.
Help local nonprofits apply for scholarship funding through community foundations such as The Miami Foundation to create immigrant-inclusive aid pools.
Many Venezuelan professionals are underemployed because their foreign credentials are not recognized.
How can Miami reduce underemployment among skilled immigrants?
Volunteer as a professional mentor through Upwardly Global to support internationally trained professionals.
Help immigrant professionals access credential evaluation services through World Education Services.
Many immigrant students lack access to affordable and trusted financial institutions in their neighborhoods.
How can local partnerships improve financial access?
Volunteer with Catalyst Miami to support bilingual financial coaching initiatives.
Support community development financial institutions (CDFIs) serving immigrant neighborhoods through outreach or fundraising.
Florida residency documentation rules determine in-state tuition eligibility, and inconsistent interpretation can result in out-of-state classification.
How can Florida make tuition policies more equitable?
Submit written or in-person public comment to the Florida Board of Governors requesting standardized residency classification guidance for students with pending asylum status.
Participate in legislative advocacy days organized by the Florida Immigrant Coalition in Tallahassee focused on tuition equity.
TPS holders in Florida face instability because their work authorization is temporary.
How can Florida increase stability for immigrant workers?
Provide public testimony during Florida workforce committee hearings advocating expanded access to CareerSource programs for TPS and EAD holders.
Support employment stability campaigns organized by the Florida Immigrant Coalition.
State ID policies affect which banking services some immigrants can use.
How can Florida expand the acceptable forms of identification for banking?
Submit comments to the Florida Office of Financial Regulation supporting broader identification acceptance for banking services.
Engage in financial inclusion advocacy initiatives connected to Prosperity Now.
Students with pending asylum status are excluded from Pell Grants and federal loans because they cannot complete FAFSA.
What national reforms could ensure equitable access to higher education?
Call or email your U.S. Representative, urging support for expanding federal financial aid eligibility under the Higher Education Act for students with humanitarian status.
Participate in federal action alerts organized by the National Immigration Law Center supporting expanded federal aid access.
Federal law limits employment access through strict work authorization and verification rules.
What national changes could improve stability?
Submit comments during USCIS rulemaking periods advocating faster EAD processing timelines.
Contact members of Congress to support legislation creating permanent residency pathways for TPS holders.
Federal rules limit access to credit based on immigration status and SSN requirements.
What national changes could expand financial access?
Support national campaigns led by UnidosUS advocating expanded credit access for ITIN holders.
Submit public comments to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) during rulemaking periods related to fair lending protections.