UNDOCUMENTED AND IMMIGRANT STUDENTS

The MN Dream Act (also known as The Prosperity Act) was introduced by Senator Sandra Pappas (SF723) and Representative Carlos Mariani (HF875) and was included in the omnibus Higher Education bill passed by the 2013 Minnesota Legislature and signed into law by Governor Dayton on May 23, 2013. 

The MN Dream Act will provide certain benefits to undocumented students who meet the following criteria: 

1. Attended a Minnesota high school for at least 3 years; and 
2. Graduated from a Minnesota high school or earned a GED in Minnesota; and 
3. Males ages 18-25 years old, whose only way of establishing MN resident student status is via the MN Dream Act, must register with the U.S. Selective Service; and 
4. Provide documentation to show they have applied for lawful immigration status but only if a federal process exists for a student to do so (does not include applying for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals). There is currently not a federal process in place, so this documentation is not currently required.
5. The MN Dream Act way of establishing residency does not require a student to have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or any other lawfully present or legal status.  The MN Dream Act way of establishing residency requires that a student, other than a “non-immigrant alien” attends a Minnesota high school for at least 3 years, graduates from a Minnesota high school or earns a GED in Minnesota and, if male and age 18-25, registers with the U.S. Selective Service.  “Non-immigrant aliens” are individuals and the members of their immediate family who are in the United States for purposes of studying (student VISA), temporary work (work VISA) and pleasure travel (visitor VISA). 

Students who meet the criteria in the MN Dream Act will be eligible for the following benefits: 

• In-state resident tuition rates at public colleges and universities. 
• State financial aid is available to students who meet state residency requirements. 
• Privately funded financial aid through public colleges and universities. 

• Normandale Foundation Scholarships
• Alliss Educational Foundation Scholarship
• Immigrants Rising List
• My Undocument Life
• MPower Financing
• Dream(er) Students United
• Scholarships for Latino Students
• Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund Scholarship List
• Migrant Scholarships
• The Dream US Scholarship
• Page Education Foundation Scholarships

Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota

Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (ILCM) is a nonprofit agency that provides immigration legal assistance to low-income immigrants and refugees in Minnesota.

General Know Your Rights Information from the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (ILCM)

Advocates for Human Rights

The mission of The Advocates for Human Rights is to implement international human rights standards to promote civil society and reinforce the rule of law. By involving volunteers in research, education, and advocacy, we build broad constituencies in the United States and select global communities. 

NAVIGATE MN/Unidos MN Education Fund

Resources to help immigrant students regardless of immigration status who are pursuing higher education in Minnesota.