Can an undocumented student apply to college?

Hey @Saul, this is a great question! Currently, there is no federal law that prohibits the admission of undocumented immigrants to U.S. colleges, public or private. In addition, federal or state laws do not require students to prove citizenship in order to enter U.S. institutions of higher education. However, you do need to keep in mind that institutional policies for admitting undocumented students is probably going to vary by school. For example, Alabama and South Carolina prohibit undocumented students from enrolling at any public postsecondary institution and many 4-year schools in Virginia require (even though it isn't state law) applicants to submit proof of citizenship or legal residency and refuse admission to students without documentation. In many other states, public institutions accept undocumented students but treat them as foreign students. This means they are ineligible for state aid and the lower tuition charged to state residents.

The good news for your friend is that they will definitely have an opportunity for higher education. In fact, Texas is actually a great state to be living in if they're considering school there. Texas is one of many states which have passed state legislation that allows undocumented students to go to college for the price of in-state tuition. In addition, Texas currently allows undocumented students to receive state financial aid. Keep in mind your friend won't be able to receive any federal financial aid so this is something for them to consider when applying to schools.

Your friend might find some of this articles below helpful if they are looking for more information:

7 First-Rate Colleges for Applicants Who Aren’t U.S. Citizens - https://blog.collegevine.com/7-first-rate-colleges-for-applicants-who-arent-u-s-citizens/

A Guide to the Citizenship Section of the Common App (Can I Still Get Into College if I’m Undocumented?) - https://blog.collegevine.com/a-guide-to-the-citizenship-section-of-the-common-app-can-i-still-get-into-college-if-im-undocumented/

College Guide for Undocumented Students - https://www.thebestcolleges.org/resources/undocumented-students/

Financial Aid for Undocumented Students - https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/paying-for-college/articles/2019-08-29/how-undocumented-students-can-access-financial-aid-for-college

Not sure about other states, but in California yes.

Here is useful link: http://undoc.universityofcalifornia.edu/applying-to-uc.html

I wish him well!