As graduation day looms closer, Blanca is engulfed in a fog of uncertainty regarding her future.
Originally from Acapulco, Mexico, she arrived in the United States as a child and is now completing her degree at Delaware State University.
Yet, despite her academic accomplishments, she faces significant hurdles.
Scholarships and Uncertain Futures
For nearly four years, Blanca has been able to focus on her studies without worrying about financial constraints or citizenship issues, thanks to a scholarship from TheDream.US.
This national initiative was established to empower undocumented students like her through its Opportunity Scholarship, which has enabled her to pursue her education uninterrupted.
However, as she approaches the finish line, the reality of her situation becomes daunting.
She lacks the necessary work authorization to seek traditional employment after graduation.
This leaves her with limited options, primarily entrepreneurship or independent contracting – a disheartening scenario for someone who has worked hard to earn a degree. “It’s frustrating to think about having a degree with no clear path to use it,” Blanca confided, reflecting the anxiety shared by many in her position.
Blanca is not alone; she is part of a small group of undocumented students at DSU grappling with similar concerns.
With their scholarships from TheDream.US set to expire, these students are facing an uncertain transition into the workforce.
The Role of TheDream.US
The Opportunity Scholarship was conceived by TheDream.US, a nonprofit supported by the New Venture Fund, to help undocumented individuals who live in states with limited educational access.
In states where tuition for non-residents is prohibitively high and where educational opportunities are severely restricted, this scholarship can cover up to $100,000 for expenses related to obtaining a bachelor’s degree — including tuition, housing, meals, and other fees at partnering colleges like Delaware State University.
Currently, TheDream.US serves a growing community of over 4,500 scholarship recipients, with approximately 74% being entirely undocumented, according to Hyein Lee, the program’s chief operating officer.
This statistic highlights that most students receiving these scholarships are pursuing higher education without the protections of programs like Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
The precarious situation for these students has been exacerbated by the political climate, especially with the looming possibility of a second Trump administration.
The prospect of mass deportations, as hinted by President-elect Trump, adds to the anxiety surrounding their future.
Launched in 2014, TheDream.US was established in response to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program initiated by President Obama, which offered temporary relief from deportation for young immigrants engaged in education or work.
However, many undocumented students have struggled to gain access to higher education due to a lack of federal financial aid and limited state funding.
TheDream.US was introduced to help fill this gap.
Originally, eligibility for the scholarship required either DACA or TPS status.
However, with the dismantling of DACA during Trump’s presidency, the initiative expanded its reach to include fully undocumented students.
At Delaware State University alone, over 260 students have received scholarships from TheDream.US.
Yet, despite being eligible, many Delawarean students remain ineligible for DACA due to federal litigation since 2017, which bars new applicants from qualifying.
Personal Stories of Aspiration
This has resulted in a noticeable shift; the percentage of scholarship alumni without work authorization has nearly doubled in just two years, growing from 3% to 8%.
Many current scholarship recipients have joined the U.S. after the DACA cutoff date of June 2007, rendering them ineligible for benefits.
In a message to students shortly after the recent presidential election, DSU President Tony Allen expressed unwavering support for undocumented students.
He reassured them that ongoing political changes would not alter the university’s commitment and offered free legal consultations through a supportive advocacy group.
Elizabeth’s journey reflects a narrative of migration and aspiration.
Following in her mother’s footsteps, who left Veracruz in search of better opportunities, Elizabeth is now confronting her own uncertainties after moving from North Carolina to Delaware.
After investing nearly four years into her education, the anxiety about her future weighs heavily on her, as she wishes for her hard work to bear fruit rather than return to previous hardships.
Another student, Jahaira, a sophomore at DSU, shared her emotional experience upon receiving the scholarship.
Immigrating to the U.S. at 13 after enduring a painful separation from her family, she now faces the same daunting specter of unemployment that haunts her peers.
In light of these challenges, TheDream.US has stepped up by offering internship and fellowship funding streams enabling undocumented students to secure compensation through non-traditional employment avenues at partner institutions.
This year, around 500 scholars have participated in such opportunities.
As Jahaira continues her business management studies, she dreams of starting a painting company alongside her father.
Despite her circumstances, she holds on to optimism, believing that her efforts may one day lead to a brighter future.
Source: The74million