Undocumented Initiatives is a Washington State University (WSU) program that provides financial, educational, and mental health support to undocumented students.
Through Undocumented Initiatives, undocumented students at WSU receive educational and emotional support. The Associated Students of Washington State University (ASWSU), seeks to promote a program that provides financial support to students who, due to their immigration status, cannot work. Especially those students who do not have the protection of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), and who find it difficult to pay for their university expenses.
“If I wasn't undocumented, I could be working right now and I could be making money and paying for everything myself,” explained Gladiola Bañuelos, an undocumented student at WSU who was born in Tecate, Mexico. Despite the fact that her university is paid for thanks to state support, Gladiola depends on her parents to cover other expenses such as rent and food.
“If you have independent assets, if you are an independent student and if you are undocumented or your partner or your boyfriend, girlfriend, whatever. This is the space where you can be recognized for being you,” explained Marcela Pattinson, director of the Undocumented Initiative.
Unlike other states, Washington offers financial aid to students regardless of immigration status through the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WAFSA).
Undocumented Initiatives has other programs such as “La Bienvenida”, which offers orientation to new students and their parents; "Mighty Butterflies" and "Creative Care", two programs focused on promoting personal care.
