To be FGLI/Undocumented

To be FGLI/Undocumented

Bryn Mawr prides itself on its diverse, close-knit community for it allows students to engage and learn from one another as they grow toward becoming the next generation of leaders in society. Students who share the FGLI identity are among the 1,300+ undergraduate students at Bryn Mawr and go on to attain leadership positions in student government, dorm leadership, student organizations and more. As of 2018, first-generation full-time students made up 18.6 percent of the student body, full-time Pell Grant students made up 15 percent of the student body.

Who is considered a first-generation student?

At Bryn Mawr, the term “first-generation” or “first-gen” is defined as a student who is the first in their immediate family to attend a four-year college. In other words, a student where neither parent attended a four-year college (this does not include step-parents). The student and their siblings (if applicable) would then be considered as the first-generation in their family to attend college. This includes international students whose parents did not attend a four-year college in their home country.

What does low-income mean?

The term “low-income” refers to an individual coming from a lower socioeconomic status in which they and their family have access to a limited number of financial resources.

What does undocumented mean and who is considered to be undocumented?

The term, “undocumented” refers to people who are not citizens or Permanent Residents in the country they are residing in; who do not hold a visa to reside in that country and; who have not applied for legal residency in that country. In this case, undocumented refers to people who are not U.S. citizens and have not completed the process and been approved to legally reside in the U.S. Additionally, a person can become undocumented if they continue to reside in the U.S. after the date their visa is set to expire.

What does undocumented+ or Undocu+ mean and who is considered to be Undocu+?

The term "undocumented+" refers to people who are undocumented as well as those who hold DACA or TPS status, and/or who come from mixed immigration status families (people who hold U.S. citizenship and who have family members who do not). While each group may have a different status and encounter their own set of experiences, all groups are likely to face similar (or somewhat similar) circumstances.

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) - A program announced on June 12, 2012, by President Barack Obama that is to protect individuals who qualify from deportation and give them a work permit for 2 years. Individuals who are approved for the program are DACAmented. The program is currently not accepting applications for first-time applicants however, current DACAmented individuals may apply to renew their status. Deferred Action does not provide lawful status.

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) - A temporary immigration status granted to nationals of certain countries due to armed conflict or natural disaster. For the full list of countries currently designated for TPS, click here.

College Policies related to Undocumented Students