| Approved by: | President |
| History: | Issued -- May 9, 2009 |
| Revised -- | |
| Last Reviewed -- November 12, 2013 | |
| Related Policies: |
Admission to Undergraduate Study Policy; Graduate Admissions Policy; Undergraduate Financial Aid Policy; Graduate Financial Aid Policy; Non-Discrimination/Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Policy |
| Additional References: | |
| Responsible Official: | Vice President for Enrollment Management tel. (202) 319-5305 |
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I. Introduction
The Catholic University of America admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, age, disability, or immigration status to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the University. It does not discriminate against students or applicants for admission, or employees or applicants for employment based on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, or on the basis of sex, age, disability, or immigration status, in the administration of its educational or admissions policies or in any aspect of its operations, unless required by law.
The University strives to comply with all aspects of federal and state laws governing the enrollment and employment of individuals, including foreign nationals. Since there are no laws at either the federal or the District level that bar the University from enrolling any sort of student, and in keeping with the social justice teachings of the Catholic Church, the University will not consider a student's immigration status in its decision to admit and enroll academically qualified students to its academic programs. The University will not, however, provide undocumented students with any form of financial assistance that requires the provision of services, as that would constitute unauthorized employment.
II. Definitions
A. Undocumented Students: foreign-born students who lack documentation to establish their immigration status in accordance with the Immigration and Nationality Act of the United States and its implementing regulations.
B. Immigration and Nationality Act of 1954: Primary U.S. law that governs the ability of foreign nationals to reside and engage in activities in the U.S.
III. Policy
A. Admission of foreign-born students
Foreign-born applicants for admission to academic programs at the University will be considered for admission in accordance with University's admissions policies that are applicable to all students. An individual's immigration status will not be factored into the decision for admission into a specific academic program. Immigration status will be considered in matters pertaining to employment and/or the award of any forms of financial assistance that require the provision of services.
This policy is consistent with existing immigration regulations and with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishop's general guidance on migration and the treatment of undocumented persons. Admitting qualified students into academic programs, allow them to gain leadership skills and knowledge that can be used to create a meaningful future anywhere in the world.
B. Eligibility for Financial Assistance for Undocumented students
Undocumented students are not eligible for federal sources of financial aid. The University does not offer scholarships specifically for international students. Individual students may be eligible to apply for loans and scholarships that do not require the provision of services, subject to the terms and conditions of the granting agency.