NH University System Drops Message Encouraging Illegal Immigrant Enrollment

Concord, NH — The University System of New Hampshire (USNH) has removed language from its admissions website that previously encouraged undocumented and DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipients to apply for admission to the state’s public universities.

The change, confirmed in correspondence with Rep. Joe Sweeney (R-Salem) and obtained through a Right-to-Know request, comes amid renewed scrutiny of the system's enrollment practices and eligibility policies for in-state tuition and financial aid. The now-deleted section had stated that the University of New Hampshire "encourages the application and enrollment of undocumented students and students granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)."

According to USNH Chancelor Catherine Provencher, the language had been “outdated information that was posted under a prior administration and was overlooked until it was pointed out.” She stated the content was removed from the website earlier in the day on May 15 following inquiries from Rep. Sweeney.

In the university system's responses, officials emphasized that only three students across all USNH campuses are currently enrolled under the categories of DACA, undocumented, Deferred Enforced Departure, or Temporary Protected Status. This information was gathered through self-disclosures on the Common Application, which does not distinguish between those categories. Provencher affirmed that there are no additional undocumented students enrolled beyond the reported figures, based on the application data.

As of Spring 2025, Keene State College enrolled one such student, Plymouth State University enrolled none, and UNH campuses enrolled two. In contrast, the system reported that 109 students were classified as “eligible non-citizens” under federal financial aid criteria, including legal permanent residents and visa holders.

Questions about the accuracy and verification of citizenship among students arose after it was revealed that USNH does not independently track or audit immigration status but instead relies on information provided during the admissions and financial aid processes. For in-state tuition, students must sign an affidavit under penalty of perjury declaring themselves legal residents of the United States. DACA and undocumented students are not eligible for federal financial aid and cannot receive in-state tuition without meeting all legal requirements, according to USNH policy.

The change on the admissions webpage marks a shift in tone from previous communications by the university and highlights broader political tensions around immigration policy at the state level. Rep. Sweeney, who initiated the inquiry, raised concerns that encouraging enrollment of undocumented students could run counter to the system’s obligations to New Hampshire taxpayers and legal residents.

"New Hampshire families expect our public colleges to prioritize students who are here legally and are residents of this state," said Sweeney in earlier correspondence. "There must be transparency and accountability, especially when it comes to how limited educational resources are allocated."

While USNH has pushed back on the notion that undocumented or international students displace in-state applicants, the system’s response acknowledges that no separate audit or independent verification is conducted beyond the Common Application and FAFSA process. Provencher reiterated that undocumented students are ineligible for financial aid and must meet all other legal criteria to enroll.

The decision to quietly remove the promotional language from the admissions website has not yet been publicly announced by USNH. No press release accompanied the change, and no official statement has been posted on the system’s homepage. Nonetheless, the removal appears to reflect heightened sensitivity around the topic as state officials continue pressing for clarity on enrollment practices and admissions criteria.

The university system's residency rules, available on the USNH website, require at least twelve months of domicile in New Hampshire and legal U.S. residency to qualify for in-state tuition, alongside a signed affidavit attesting to lawful presence.

USNH has stated that it intends to maintain dialogue with elected officials and the public, emphasizing that “non-resident students, from this nation or any other, are not taking seats or resources from qualified New Hampshire students.”

Still, the removal of the pro-DACA language signals a notable policy and messaging adjustment—one likely to resonate across ongoing debates about immigration and public resource allocation in the Granite State.