WASHINGTON, DC – Concerns have been raised by U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and several colleagues regarding an error in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form that is adversely affecting students in mixed-status families. The error is preventing students with contributors who do not have a Social Security number (SSN) from completing the new FAFSA form.
In a letter addressed to U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, Senator Hirono, along with Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and 23 other colleagues, emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue. The Senators highlighted the impact of the error on students, stating, "The students impacted by this error are entitled to apply for federal financial aid, yet through no fault of their own, they are currently being locked out from taking advantage of this opportunity in a timely manner."
Despite efforts by the Department of Education (ED) to provide temporary solutions and pledge a permanent fix by mid-March, concerns persist. The Senators expressed worries about the lack of clear communication, misinformation, and the potential long-term educational consequences of the error.
The letter outlined specific questions for ED to address, including the timeline for resolving the form error, plans to combat misinformation, and strategies for communicating with all affected stakeholders. Additionally, the Senators pushed for the provision of comprehensive resources and guidance for impacted students, particularly those in underserved communities.
The concerns raised by Senator Hirono and her colleagues have garnered support from various organizations and stakeholders within the education and immigration sectors. The letter is endorsed by entities such as the Presidents’ Alliance for Higher Education and Immigration, the National Education Association (NEA), and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).
As efforts continue to rectify the FAFSA form error, Senator Hirono and her colleagues remain committed to advocating for the affected students and ensuring that they receive the necessary support and resources to pursue their higher education goals.