Controversial Rutgers college fair for unauthorized immigrants returns

The "undocuRutgers" fair provides information for "undocumented" immigrants who want to attend New Jersey colleges at in-state tuition rates under a new law.

NEWARK -- A controversial college fair for immigrants living in the country illegally is returning to Rutgers-Newark later this month, organizers said.

The fair, called undocuRutgers, was first held last year on the Newark campus to provide information for students who want to take advantage of a change in state law that allows "undocumented" immigrants to attend New Jersey colleges at in-state tuition rates.

"This event will explain the different process undocumented students face when applying to college and offer information on what resources are available," said Giancarlo Tello, a Rutgers-Newark student and one of the organizers. "Some community colleges will be present as an alternative venue into a college degree."

The inaugural undocuRutgers, first held last February, filled to capacity with more than 200 unauthorized immigrants and their families.

Unauthorized immigrants pack 'undocuRutgers' college admissions fair amid heightened security

However, Rutgers officials increased security and limited access to the event after the school received threats. Members of the media were also barred from the fair to help protect the privacy of the unauthorized immigrants, campus officials said.

Rutgers repeated the college fair on the New Brunswick campus in October, attracting more than 300 participants.

This year's undocuRutgers will be held Jan. 30 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Ackerson Hall on the Rutgers-Newark campus.

In addition to providing information about applying to Rutgers and local county colleges, students from Rutgers University School of Law will also give a presentation on legal issues. Immigrants living in the country illegally can apply to stay in the country temporarily under the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals measure signed by President Obama in 2012.

In 2013, Gov. Chris Christie signed legislation, called the N.J. Dream Act, that allows children who were brought to the U.S. illegally to pay in-state tuition at New Jersey's public colleges and universities.

Under the previous system, students of any immigration status could apply to any two- or four-year college in New Jersey. However, students who could not prove they were living in the country legally were required to pay out-of-state tuition, which was often double the in-state rate.

In the fall of 2014, more than 300 unauthorized immigrants registered at New Jersey public colleges under the new Dream Act, according to a study released last year by New Jersey Policy Perspective, a think tank based in Trenton.

However, the study found many students living in the country illegally could not take advantage of New Jersey's new law because they could not afford the tuition at Rutgers and other public colleges.

Christie has opposed calls to broaden the new law to offer state financial aid to students living in the country illegally. Unauthorized immigrants are also not eligible for Pell Grants or federal financial aid.

The undocuRutgers fair will include information on other scholarships available to unauthorized immigrants, organizers said. Multiple translators will also be available at the event.

Students can register for the college fair at admissions.rutgers.edu/undocu.

"Any information provided on the registration website will remain confidential and will not be shared with any other organization or agency, both private or governmental," organizers said.