Understanding the Law and How It Affects You

Assembly Bill 540: It’s the Law  AB 540, introduced by former Assembly Members Marco Antonio Firebaugh and Abel Maldonado, is signed into law on October 12, 2001  Allows any student, including undocumented students who meet specific criteria to pay in-state tuition at California’s public colleges and universities  Exemption from paying nonresident tuition is extended to any student, except a person in nonimmigrant status Definition of nonimmigrant status - a person who holds a valid visa.

AB 540: Eligibility Requirements  Must have attended a California high school for 3 or more years  Must have graduated from a California high school or attained the equivalent of a high school diploma  Must have registered or be currently enrolled at an accredited institution of higher education in California  Student must file an affidavit stating they meet AB 540 criteria and will apply for legal residency as soon as they are eligible to do so. * This document is kept confidential by the college/university and by law is not to be shared with any agency, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement CSUN requires non-resident students to submit an AB 540 Affidavit, CSU Residence Questioner, and a official copy of their high school transcript with proof of graduation.

AB 540: Facts  Exemption from paying nonresident tuition does not apply to private colleges or universities  Does not grant legal residency to qualifying students  Does not grant state or federal financial aid eligibility  Does not grant exemption from any other fee or expense incurred by student  Student should never file a FAFSA, doing so may adversely affect any future possibility of obtaining legal immigration status  Students are not required to show a state issued identification or social security to apply for admission to a California college or university

$5972 California State University: Cost of Tuition Per Semester $1904 $4068 Non- Resident Resident Enrolled in 12 units (full-time); pays CA Resident tuition plus an additional $ per unit Enrolled in 12 units (full-time); pays CA Resident tuition. Without AB 540 undocumented students would have to pay more per semester

Funding Sources for AB540 Students Apply early for scholarships that do not require U.S. citizenship or residency. These funds are limited and are becoming increasingly competitive Organize creative fundraisers, such as raffles, bake sales, etc. Ask family members and friends to contribute to a college fund in lieu of a birthday gift or other special occasion Private colleges and universities often times provide financial aid Start a textbook loan program; ask professors to donate books

AB 540 Resources There is an EOP Satellite office in every undergraduate college within CSUN; EOP advisors provide support services to AB 540 students