Overview:
Support for Haitian students rendered undocumented after the termination of TPS may range from invitations to meals to funding local scholarships to contributing to an emergency cash fund. One method – letting youngsters know they are not alone – does not even cost money.
NEW YORK — At one high school on Long Island, 17 Haitian students bound for college at graduation last spring, with scholarships to boot, are choosing not to attend because they fear venturing out.
One young man, a college graduate in Brooklyn whose job offer was rescinded after his status expired over the summer, said that among his friends who once had TPS, one peer is considering returning to Haiti. Another is working as a delivery driver.
Still others are turning to virtual lives, participating in webinars, support groups, and even classes accessible remotely.
“The fear is real for them, [it’s] real when it comes to the federal government,” said Dr. Frantz Dorsainvil, an education consultant, said. “But normalcy will return, as a country, where people will not have fear.”
As the 2025-2026 academic year gave way to 2026-2027, many educators, social workers and service providers have lamented both the direct and indirect ways the U.S. government is disrupting Haitian youngsters’ promising schooling and career experiences. Some are struggling mentally, often isolating themselves or sheltering in place as they adjust to losing the legal protection and work authorization they once had in the U.S. to life as “illegal” immigrants.
The effects extend beyond Haitian students. Nationwide, an estimated 75,000 undocumented students have graduated high school – 2,000 of them from Haiti, according to a research study commissioned by the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration. Research from the coalition of university leaders has also found that the undocumented accounted for 525,000 students in 2025, with 19,000 from Haiti.
Now, the futures of such students are “threatened” by the Trump administration’s mass deportation agenda, according to research commissioned by the Migration Policy Institute (MPI). The research found the administration has stopped or rolled back an array of programs created to support families pursuing education beyond high school.
Dorsainvil, author of “College Still Matters: From ELL to EdD,” had publicly encouraged Haitian newcomers in 2023 to seek higher education. Now, like many other advocates, he is encouraging youngsters and their families to stay steadfast in pursuing their goals.
“Everything is just delayed and people just have to hold on,” he said. “Just hold on.
“It’s hard, but that’s when people really have to lean into each other, lean into the community, lean into themselves and take care of themselves,” he explained, “so people don’t lose themselves doing this delayed process.”
Yolette Williams, executive director of Haitian American Alliance of New York, said after the initial shock, many youngsters are seeking ways to continue their schooling in states and cities where they are eligible. Groups like hers are connecting youngsters with attorneys who can provide immigration and education guidance.
“They are moving forward with college plans,” she said. “The goal should not only be to help these young people survive day to day, but also to provide them with stability, dignity, and hope for the future.”
Following are some ways to support, according to students and community advocates — from inviting a youngster for a meal to sharing credible resources, checking in to combat isolation to funding scholarships for undocumented students.
How to give general support
Set aside an extra plate, lift a spirit
First, recognize that some support doesn’t always cost money, the young man with the group of friends pointed out. Fighting the invisible surge in social isolation is also worthwhile, meaning inviting or including the undocumented to gatherings can be a powerful way to lift their spirits.
“Even going to play soccer, the only thing I can still do without papers, is risky,” the young man, who earned a business degree, said. “It’s very difficult. But we have to hold on.”
“Mental health support would also be important, as this uncertainty can cause a great deal of stress, anxiety, and isolation,” he added.
Even small gestures, he listed, such as offering a paid opportunity, inviting them over for a meal, or setting aside an extra plate of food, can make a meaningful difference.
Donate to credible groups giving emergency cash assistance
In the meantime, the young man continued, the Haitian community could create an emergency fund to help cover costs, establish temporary housing or host-family programs for those at risk of losing their homes, and provide essentials such as MetroCards, grocery gift cards, clothing and household supplies.
Leaders of organizations around the community have said the need for cash assistance is acute. With many people being let go from their jobs, some clients have come into their storefronts asking for small amounts to make ends meet.
“People need money,” said Life of Hope’s Porez Luxama. “They need to make ends meet, to eat something. Not even big amounts. They really need cash badly.”
Among those accepting donations are service providers such as Life of Hope, Haitian Americans United for Progress (HAUP), Haitian Women for Haitian Refugees, Flanbwayan in New York and the Haitian Support Center in Springfield, where the community has been targeted particularly hard.
How to support education goals
Research remote attendance options
People fearful of commuting to school because of ICE scares; some courses may be available remotely, advocates say. Both CUNY and SUNY have such options, from fully online-only degrees to courses with highly flexible, virtual components.
Ask the schools for financial support
While federal aid may have been pulled back or have stricter eligibility requirements, certain states and cities still have funds for undocumented students.
“There are tons of money on campuses,” a staff member at Flanbwayan, the Haitian youth education support organization in Brooklyn, said. “There’s money available through grant, scholarships at the school where those scholarships and grants are from donors that donate to the school for that purpose. Sometimes people just don’t know what to ask.”
In New York, the staffer explained, schools may help a student find funds through the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) or private scholarships set up specifically for students who are undocumented or have a temporary status. Through New York’s Dream Act, eligibility is based on being a state resident or completing high school or GED in the state. Excelsior scholarships may also be an option for some families, depending on their income.
“That’s not just high school students, but for adults as well.”
SUNY Reconnect is the state’s newest free tuition program offering free associate degrees for adult learners at any State University of New York (SUNY) school, starting in January 2027. New Yorkers 25 to 55 years old, including those who already have a college degree, may apply.
Finally, the Flanbwayan staffer said individuals and organizations can sponsor students through scholarships or as general support funds with groups like theirs. In such instances, the organizations look at the scholarship criteria and try to match them to their members, then allow the family to select finalists.
Share credible scholarship information
To help family and friends seeking support, consider sharing the following list as a starting point. Schools, organizations and trusted spaces across the country have unique offerings to help youngsters.
Select scholarships and aid
- TheDream.US scholarships: Opening Nov. 1, offers two major funding tracks for undocumented/DACA students
- National Scholarship: Up to $33,000 for tuition and fees towards an associate or bachelor’s degree at a partner institution.
- Opportunity Scholarship: Up to 80,000–100,000 for students living in states where they are locked out of in-state tuition to attend out-of-state partner colleges.
- Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund: Need-based grants of up to $15,000 for students involved in movements for social, economic, or environmental justice. Open to non-citizens regardless of immigration status.
- QuestBridge National College Match: Connects high-achieving, low-income high school seniors with four-year full-ride scholarships (covering tuition, room and board) to partner universities. Open to all high school seniors regardless of citizenship status.
- Higher Education Portal: Provides research and resources, including financial aid lists, to help immigrant families of all status navigate the college admissions and financial aid process.
- Immigrants Rising Scholarship List: A searchable list of scholarships and fellowships open to immigrant students without citizenship requirements, including filters by state and field of study.
- My Undocumented Life: Provides up-to-date scholarship announcements, application deadlines, and application advice tailored for undocumented college students.
- Private student loans may also be available through an array of lenders. Seek professional advice before applying or securing loans.
