GOAL:
Any U.S. citizen 18 and older, who currently pays their taxes, is not claimed as a dependent and is working at least part time, should automatically be given the status of Independent on all Federal Student Aid.
CURRENT:
If a person is born after January 1, 1989, is not married, does not have children, and is not in the military or a Veteran, is automatically given the status of Dependent of their Parents, regardless of that person's financial stability or no contact with parents.
People who are automatically given the status of Dependent and do not have the support of their parents are told that they need to either get the support of their parents or to come back to school when they turn 23.