Biden administration reversing Trump ban on pandemic aid for undocumented students

The Biden administration is reversing a Trump-era policy banning undocumented students from receiving pandemic aid. 

Education Secretary Miguel Cardona announced the new plan on Tuesday, finalizing a regulation that lets universities distribute $36 billion in federal pandemic aid to students, regardless of their immigration status.

The move will help universities expand opportunities to students who are in need of financial aid. It also reflects the department’s goal to provide resources and guidance to institutions, students and communities throughout the pandemic, according to a press release. 

“These funds are critical to ensuring that all of our nation’s students – particularly those disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic – have the opportunity to enroll, continue their education, graduate, and pursue their careers,” Cardona said in the press release. “With this action, thousands of institutions will be able to provide direct relief to students who need it most, so we can make sure that we not only recover from the pandemic, but also build back even stronger than before.”

Many universities were opposed to the Trump policy, citing its complicated criteria and changing guidance from the Department of Education that slowed down school officials’ ability to distribute the money, Politico reported. 

The new policy replaces the one former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos enacted last year. 

It also will set up coronavirus vaccination sites on campus for students as institutions plan to spread awareness of the importance of getting vaccinated.