Congress Updates

by The Cowl Editor on January 27, 2017


News


Photo courtesy of www.ripr.org

 

by Sabrina Guilbeault ’18

Assistant News Editor

The Providence College Student Congress held its second meeting of the semester on Tuesday night, and during a suspension of the rules, welcomed Karen Vargas, the associate dean of admission for multicultural recruitment, who answered questions regarding undocumented students and students from mixed status families. Vargas explained the difference between undocumented students, students protected under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DALA) and students with Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

She encouraged Congress to ask questions and stated her presentation was a safe space to hold a conversation and dialogue. As explained by the dean, an undocumented citizen is a person who does not hold U.S. citizenship or a valid U.S. visa. DACA students are allowed to have a driver’s license, work and pay taxes, and are protected against deportation. Students with TPS are protected to live in the U.S., due to some temporary condition preventing them from returning safely to their home country, such as an armed conflict or environmental disaster.

Vargas explained that students who are undocumented or fall under DACA or TPS do not qualify for federal financial aid. She answered questions presented by members of the Congress who asked what resources and protections the school can provide for undocumented, DACA, or TPS students. Vargas explained that PC has made a stance to provide all its students with the best experience for success and help all students graduate in four years.

“Once students are part of the Friar Family, they will be treated like they are part of the Friar Family,” she said.

Students wanting to learn more or join the conversation are welcomed to email Dean Vargas at kvargas1@providence.edu.