MU takes new approach to verify student status

The measures will take effect next semester.

By Amanda Bromwich

Published Oct. 24, 2008

In response to legislation passed through the Missouri General Assembly in May, students' citizenship will come into question with a new system implemented by the registrar.

According to a news release on Thursday, MU Registrar Brenda Selman announced a new plan to verify the U.S. citizenship, permanent resident status or lawful presence of all MU students. The plan will take effect next semester.

"Most students will not need to do anything," said Selman. "Students who are affected have been e-mailed directions to follow, and a hold has been placed on their Spring 2009 registration. The hold will be removed following proper status verification."

The legislation prompted the review of the student status verification process. Selman said the registrar's office already checks students' statuses by requiring proper government issued identification before issuing student identification cards, checking legal status for students who successfully complete a financial aid form and checking international students' visa status.

"The student status review was prompted by the new legislation," said Selman. "We were not required prior to (the passage of this legislation) to check citizenship status of students."

In addition, university officials can confirm citizenship or lawful presence by verifying part-time and full-time university employees' W-2 forms. Possession of a W-2 form is indication that the Social Security Administration confirmed a student's citizenship status.

The bill was passed by the General Assembly on May 16 and took effect Aug. 28. The bill changes the law regarding illegal immigrants and immigration status verification.