New Jersey Lawmakers Move to Safeguard Student Data Amid Immigration Concerns
Trenton, NJ—In response to rising concerns over the potential misuse of sensitive information from college financial aid forms, New Jersey lawmakers are advancing legislation aimed at protecting student privacy. This follows the introduction of a pilot program requiring high school seniors to complete financial aid applications, which advocates worry may compromise the confidentiality of undocumented students.
The Assembly Education Committee is set to vote on a bill that would limit identifiable information on waivers, allowing schools to share only basic details like name and contact information without explicit consent or a court order. This bill, which passed unanimously in the Senate, aims to allay fears that waiver participants could be targeted by immigration officials.
New Jersey is home to over 400,000 undocumented immigrants, with significant numbers of students living in immigrant households. Proponents of the bill, including Assembly Education Committee Chair Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, argue that the protections are crucial as federal guidelines regarding financial aid—including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)—remain uncertain regarding data privacy.
As the bill awaits a vote, education advocates stress the need for immediate action to ensure student privacy is respected, especially as federal-level staffing cuts pose new challenges to the financial aid process.
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