Amid rising fear and misinformation, state leaders emphasize that access to higher education and financial aid remains a guaranteed right for all Californians, regardless of immigration status.
In a national climate marked by uncertainty, California’s education leaders have reaffirmed their unwavering support for immigrant, refugee, and undocumented students. At a recent press conference organized by American Community Media in partnership with the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC), CSAC Executive Director Dr. Daisy Gonzales made it clear: “We are living in unprecedented times. Our students and their families are being attacked in the name of federal immigration enforcement. But to us, they are Californians. This state believes in them and wants them to succeed.”
Dr. Gonzales warned that current immigration policies are discouraging thousands of young people from continuing their education.“Many of our students are in survival mode. Some are walking away from their studies because they feel their future in this country is less and less possible,” she said. Nevertheless, she underscored the importance of education as a force for transformation: “Pursuing postsecondary education today is an act of resistance and persistence.”
The Role of the California Dream Act
A key pillar of this resistance is the California Dream Act Application (CADAA), a secure alternative to the federal FAFSA. This state-managed form allows undocumented students or those from mixed-status families to apply for financial aid without exposing their personal information. “CADAA data is not shared with the federal government. This is a solution made in California, and we are committed to protecting that information to the fullest extent of the law,” Gonzales emphasized.
Beyond confidentiality, the application has become an essential tool for helping students map out their academic future.
“We urge all families living in fear not to stop. This application is yours, it is safe, and it is designed for you,” she added.
CSAC reminded students and families that September 2 is a key deadline—the last day for students planning to attend community colleges to apply for state aid.
A Support Network Beyond the Form
Organizations like 10,000 Degrees are also playing a crucial role. Operating across eight Northern California counties, the group has helped thousands of low-income students access higher education. Chief Strategy Officer Christopher Gonzales explained their approach: “Our fellows are recent college graduates, many first-generation, who return to their communities to support other students like them. They don’t just help fill out forms—they show that it’s possible because they did it themselves.”
Their partnership with CSAC has been especially vital in the face of widespread misinformation and anxiety about data privacy. “Recently, we worked with a mixed-status family in Sonoma County who were hesitant to apply out of fear their data might be shared with federal agencies. After multiple meetings and sharing clear facts, we helped them complete their Dream Act application. Today, that student is on their way to college,” Gonzales shared.
State Budget and Political Will
Despite a challenging budget environment, CSAC insists that financial aid for students remains a top priority. While the final budget has yet to be signed by the governor, Gonzales pointed to strong legislative support: “California is not only funding the projected number of applicants—we are also bolstering institutions that serve these communities, knowing that federal funds may be at risk.”
The statewide briefing, co-hosted by American Community Media and CSAC, brought together voices from across California: from a student in South Los Angeles to a parent in Kern County and representatives from community-based organizations. The message was clear—to spotlight the lived experiences of immigrant families and to affirm that California’s institutions will not back down in the face of fear.