South Carolina Illegal Immigration Reform Act
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In accordance with section 59-101-430 of the SC Code of Laws,
also known as the South Carolina Illegal Immigration Reform Act, those
unlawfully present in the United States are prohibited from attending a public
institution of higher education in South Carolina. Those unlawfully present in
the United States are also prohibited from receiving a public higher education
benefit including scholarships, financial aid, grants or resident tuition. The
following are frequently asked questions that may help address your concerns:
Q. I am a US citizen. Did I receive this by mistake?
A. No, this law applies to all students (US citizens, permanent residents, and international visitors).
It applies to all institutions in South Carolina.
Q. Why have I not been required to document this before?
A. The South Carolina Illegal Immigration Reform Act is a new law passed in 2008.
Q. Clemson already has my Social Security number. Is that good enough?
A. No. Please bring one of the documents listed in the original email to one of the offices indicated so that
you may be cleared for registration.
Q. I have never received financial aid. Do I still have to comply?
A. Yes. Compliance is not related to receipt of financial aid, but submitting the FAFSA is one method for
citizenship to be confirmed by the Social Security Administration.
Q. I do not want to apply for financial aid. Do I have to file a FAFSA?
A. No. The FAFSA is one method for citizenship to be confirmed, but any of the other documents listed in the
original email are acceptable.
Q. Can I fax the document?
A. No. Please bring an original. We will view it and return it to you immediately.
Q. Can I use my Driver's License if it is not from South Carolina or if it was issued before 2002?
A. No. At this time, we can only use a South Carolina Driver's License first issued on or after January 1, 2002
if you were born after January 1, 1987.
Q. I am a permanent resident or international visitor. What documents do I need to bring?
A. None. Unless you are contacted by the Office of International Affairs, you will be cleared through the
Department of Homeland Security.
Q. I am taking all coursework online and will not be in South Carolina before I need to register for the
subsequent term. What can I do?
A. Please contact any of the offices listed in the original email to make special arrangements.
Q. I have recently graduated or will graduate in August 2009. Do I need to comply?
A. No. Although the law was effective in 2008-09, there should be no further action on students no longer
enrolled. However, you may continue to receive reminders until you are no longer active in the student
database.
Q. What is Clemson's policy for complying with this law?
A. To view the text of the law and the Clemson Board of Trustee's process for compliance, please see
page 14 of "Admission" in the current Undergraduate Announcements.
Q. How can I learn more this law or express concerns regarding this requirement?
A. To view the text of the law (SC Code of Law Section 59-101-430), or to contact members of the SC General
Assembly, please see www.sc.gov.
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