A Connecticut university is embroiled in controversy after a report revealed the school is trying to find “creative ideas” to offer undocumented students payment for their internships.
“They’re prioritizing citizens over non-citizens, and that’s the problem,” Connecticut GOP Chairman Ben Proto told Fox News Digital.
The comments came after a report by Connecticut Insider Investigators revealed that officials at Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) found ways to pay undocumented students “in a way that would constitute “employment.” not mention or require a Social Security number,” according to the emails obtained. by the outlet through a Freedom of Information Act request.
CCSU career coach Audra Mika wrote in an email on September 13, 2024, “The President’s Committee on Undocumented Students is seeking creative ideas to help undocumented (or undocumented) students find paid internship/experiential learning opportunities. I have grants, scholarships, fellowships, and stipends to pay these students in a way that doesn’t mention ’employment’ or require a Social Security number.”
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Campus of Central Connecticut State University. (Google Street View)
“PJ and I want to see what’s possible,” the email, which was addressed to the university’s grants department, continued. “Thank you for any suggestions you may have to help our undocumented students find paying jobs.”
The email was responded to by Kathleen Moore of CCSU’s Office of Post Award Grants with a warning that the idea would be “ethically wrong” and “illegal” and also noted that the grants are part of a competitive application process. are given through and one needs to pay with the grant. Money to be a US citizen.
“If you’re told that other universities are ‘using grants to pay these students,’ you’re either misled, or they’re doing something illegal and, in my opinion, unethical.” No,” wrote Moore’s response.
Moore’s e-mail was later forwarded to CCSU Associate Vice President Carmen Valoria by Paul Rossito, director of the Office of Career Development, who wrote, “FYI, we have some people who work at the university who do not understand that We must help all students.”
Meanwhile, the initial request drew responses from Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) officials, who noted that there was a scholarship fund for “Dream Scholars,” though the scholarship only covered “Dreamers.” is under the controversial Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Not for all undocumented immigrants.
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A protest rally against the separation of immigrant families outside the U.S. federal courthouse in Bridgeport, Connecticut on July 11, 2018. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)
SCSU officials also noted that they offer Monarch scholarships and funds for “undoc. [sic] students who work on campus while doing an academic internship,” while officials at another state school, Eastern Connecticut State University, suggested that the institution encourage students to obtain an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), but warned that doing so “does not constitute work authorization or legal authorization. status” to the migrant.
CCSU officials ran with the idea, encouraging undocumented students to get an ITIN and then reaching out to local businesses to see if they could “hire/support undocumented students as interns.” Interested in doing” or working with the school’s student affairs department to “build fellowships, fund opps, stipends for undoc student workers (on and off campus) and find ‘allies’. To do and teach what these initiatives mean for CCSU.”
For Proto, the story is the latest example of state officials, employees and lawmakers prioritizing the needs of immigrants over legal Connecticut citizens.
“Where is the state focusing its energy? Should it be focusing its energy on the citizens of the state of Connecticut, or should it be focusing its energy on people who are here illegally in violation of our laws,” Proto said. There are,” Proto said. “When you have an attorney general running around telling everybody since Election Day that he’s going to protect illegal immigrants … it seems like his priorities are misplaced.”
Larissa Martinez, a 21-year-old undocumented immigrant from Mexico City, speaks during a protest against the separation of immigrant families in front of the U.S. federal courthouse on July 11, 2018 in Bridgeport, Connecticut. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)
In a statement to the Connecticut Inside Investigator, CCSU spokeswoman Judy Latina said there was “no intent to mislead or evade any law.”
Latina told the outlet that “the email message was misinterpreted by the recipient. Committee members were looking for ways to help students within the limits of what is permissible under the law.” “The petitioner was asking if there are any avenues that we are not already exploring that exist legally for undocumented students.”
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Latina said the university has “never condoned and will not condone any activity that violates the law, and the committee will only pursue legal means to assist these students.” was implemented to unify, as we strive for our entire core family.”
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Latina also shared a letter sent by university president Zalma Toro, emphasizing that the school’s efforts are limited to legal programs.
“Our undocumented students are eligible for various sources of aid from private donors and/or the State of Connecticut. However, they are not eligible for federal financial aid, participation in federal work-study grants, employment, and are prohibited from doing. In many programs and experiential learning opportunities that require background checks and Social Security numbers,” read the letter sent to CCSU community members.
“This university has never condoned and will not condone any activity that violates the law, and this committee was established only to mobilize legal means to assist students, as we Try to do it for the entire central family.”
