Non-REU Particiants

[has...@umn.edu]

One of our (NSF funded) Center grants has a summer research program for undergraduates as a part of the grant.  It is not, though, a grant funded specifically as an REU.  The outreach coordinator has asked be if undergrads (from other institutions) who have DACA status would be eligible.

I can see that participants on an official REU need to be citizens or permanent residents, but again, this is not an REU award or supplement.

It seems that I can set up someone with DACA status as a supplier through the U, so could process payments via AP in the normal way.

Would this be allowable?

[Erin Flathmann]

Wanted to ping this again, to see if any other CAs have experience with non-REU NSF summer research programs and DACA students.  Hoping we can get some feedback for you, Heather!!

[Heidi Huff]

Here is some feedback from Pat Jondahl at SPA (posting with her consent):

We may need to go back and find out the specific project, just to make sure there are no other 'restrictions' on the particular award.   WIth that said;

According to NSF -  US citizenship is not required for PIs, Co-PIs, Senior Personnel or other project members.   The issue is whether NSF considers the particular funding an REU...   

For REU's -  If NSF considers this REU funding there is a requirement that, "Undergraduate students supported with NSF funds must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions." 

I also did look up some information about the DACA Program....  but it wasn't very definitive...  The DACA program doesn't provide a path to citizenship, and even through recipients have deportation deferred, they still do not have lawful status.   

I think we need to know the specific project and maybe even then we will still need to go back to NSF for clarification.  More on whether the funding is considered REU, then anything to do with the DACA status.  If it isn't REU funds and the individual has 'authorization to work' then I believe they could pay the individual.  If it is considered REU funds, I do not believe they can pay them because they do not have legal status as a US citizen or hold permanent residency.