The Los Angeles Times reports growing concerns within immigrant communities about the possible disclosure of parents’ immigration status when filing the Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The newspaper raised concerns that students with undocumented parents could face status discrimination when filing the FAFSA, especially as the Trump administration enters its second term. An L.A.-based high school counselor noted that some students heading off to college are reconsidering filing the FAFSA because of these concerns.

FAFSA is a required form for undergraduate and graduate students applying for federal financial aid. Applicants must provide their parents’ Social Security Numbers (SSN). If parents are missing SSNs, applicants must enter “0” instead. This process raises concerns that the information provided could inadvertently reveal immigration status.

The Department of Education does not share FAFSA data with federal agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). But fears are growing that the Trump administration, with its promise of mass deportations, could use FAFSA information for other purposes.

The nonprofit National College Attainment Network (NCAN) emphasized that the Higher Education Act prohibits the use of FAFSA data for any purpose other than determining federal grant eligibility. Nevertheless, NCAN expressed uncertainty as to whether this protection would remain intact.

Likewise, the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) acknowledged that concerns about disclosing immigration status related to FAFSA applications are not new. However, increased concern has been noted that the new administration could use FAFSA information for alternative purposes. However, NACAC clarified that there is currently no evidence that FAFSA data has been or will be used for anything other than financial aid determination.