The U.S. Department of Education opened the eligibility so that undocumented and international college students can apply for the emergency grants created under the American Rescue Plan Act for post-secondary education. While the previous administration had chosen to declare these students as ineligible for funding, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona told reporters, "The pandemic didn't discriminate … and we want to make sure that all students have an opportunity to have access to funds to help them get back on track."
Here at the University of Minnesota, the Immigration Response Team has been in contact with the departments responsible for financial aid, and more information will be shared later this summer about how eligible students can apply.