Verification of immigration status

The documents collected and maintained by an eligible institution in the admission of a student to the institution may be used by the student in lieu of the documents used to establish both employment authorization and identity under section 1324a(b)(1)(B) of title 8 to verify eligibility to participate in work-study programs under part C of this subchapter.

The Secretary is authorized to verify such statements and supporting documentation through a data match, using an automated or other system, with other Federal agencies that may be in possession of information relevant to such statements and supporting documentation.

In the case of such an individual who is not a citizen or national of the United States, if the statement described in paragraph (1) is submitted but the documentation required under paragraph (2) is not presented or if the documentation required under paragraph (2)(A) is presented but such documentation is not verified under paragraph (3)—

(A) the institution— (i) shall provide a reasonable opportunity to submit to the institution evidence indicating a satisfactory immigration status, and (ii) may not delay, deny, reduce, or terminate the individual’s eligibility for the grant, loan, or work assistance on the basis of the individual’s immigration status until such a reasonable opportunity has been provided; and

(B) if there are submitted documents which the institution determines constitute reasonable evidence indicating such status— (i) the institution shall transmit to the Immigration and Naturalization Service either photostatic or other similar copies of such documents, or information from such documents, as specified by the Immigration and Naturalization Service, for official verification, (ii) pending such verification, the institution may not delay, deny, reduce, or terminate the individual’s eligibility for the grant, loan, or work assistance on the basis of the individual’s immigration status, and (iii) the institution shall not be liable for the consequences of any action, delay, or failure of the Service to conduct such verification.