Does having immigrant parents help on a college application?

I think people really overestimate how much being "ethnic" gives an application any kind of big advantage. It only helps if a college is actively trying to recruit a particular group. This is NOT always the case, and nowadays with reduced budgets and increased tuition, they are looking more for prospective students who have the ability to pay full tuition. They also target non-resident students that pay a higher tuition rate. I don't think having immigrant parents is really an "edge" in most cases. And as far as your friend having a boost because she is claiming 1/8 Native, this doesn't mean a thing if she is not enrolled. I mean, absolutely NOTHING. Most white americans throw out that claim and it is usually bogus. And you can't claim to be "Native American" or any specific degree (e.g. 1/8 or 1/4) unless you are a citizen of a recognized tribal nation and your blood quantum is verified. Also, you are saying she has an extra 1/8 degree! (you said: 1/2 persian, 1/2 white, 1/8 Native).