Immigration Status Affects College Tuition

Thousands of students have been forced to pay higher tuition at state universities due to their immigration status, despite spending their entire academic careers in American public schools. Many of these students have attained stellar grades, had outstanding conduct reviews, and received numerous recommendations from teachers and school administrators. Despite their high school successes, their immigration status has prevented them from receiving the financial aid they need to attend state-run universities.

Immigration Status And In-State Tuition

Students who wish to attend state schools must establish their residency within that state to qualify for in-state tuition rates. Out-of-state tuition rates can be three to four times the in-state rates. Although some high school students, such as Melvis Madrigal of Asheville, North Carolina, have achieved at a high level throughout their high school careers, their immigration status prevents them from qualifying for in-state tuition. The students’ uncertain immigration status can prevent them from attending college, which blocks them from improved employment opportunities.

Immigration Status And Financial Aid

Federal financial aid programs, such as Pell Grants, require that students be either U.S. citizens or have immigration status as legal residents. Even if the students have applied for legal immigration status, the process can take years and require extensive documentation. Many of these students came to the U.S. as children, brought into the country illegally by their parents. While most of these students qualify under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which allows them to obtain work permits and prevents deportation proceedings for at least two years, they still do not qualify for federal or state financial aid.

States Sue President Over Immigration Status Orders

Last year, a group of state attorneys general filed a lawsuit against President Barack Obama for issuing executive orders regarding the immigration status of undocumented immigrants. The executive orders include DACA and others that allow undocumented immigrants to defer deportation hearings and to clarify their immigration status. The suit claims that the orders, such as DACA, allow the President to overstep his constitutional authority. Preliminary hearings in the suit are currently underway at a federal court in Brownsville, Texas.

State Lawmaker Calls Immigration Status A “Politically Hot” Issue

While states such as North Carolina confront issues surrounding the immigration status of prospective students, lawmakers are often hesitant to deal with the political ramifications. North Carolina State Representative Chuck McGrady (R-Henderson) called the problems stemming from financial aid and immigration status a “politically hot” issue. He told reporters that “getting a bill that’s got some legs” is difficult given the current political climate. He also cited that some politicians may view immigration as federal issue, while others are hesitant to offer undocumented immigrants the same benefits as citizens and legal residents.

Source: Asheville Citizen-Times

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