Attending a four-year public college or university is out of reach for
many students without U.S. citizenship. But thanks to a growing number
of new state laws—which make certain students eligible for in-state
tuition rates—many more college hopefuls may be able to pursue higher
education.
There is a notable trend among the many immigration-related bills making
their way through state legislatures in 2018 and 2019. More states are
trying to ensure that students who reside in-state can access higher
education.
It’s important to note that these laws and policies, and the rationale
behind them, vary among states. In some states, the policies mean
in-state tuition rates apply to all students regardless of immigration
status. Others apply only to certain groups of students (like those with
DACA), while some states like New York offer both in-state tuition and
access to certain forms of state or institutional financial aid to
eligible undocumented students.
Arkansas is the latest state to pass such a law. Arkansas Governor Asa
Hutchinson signed House Bill 1684 into law earlier this month, making
in-state tuition accessible to certain students. It will apply to DACA
recipients, children of people with federally issued I-766 work permits,
and immigrants from the Marshall Islands. Students who have lived in
Arkansas for at least 3 years and hold an Arkansas high school diploma
or GED are eligible.
Leaders across the political spectrum recognize these important benefits. Rep. Dan Douglas, a republican state legislator in Arkansas who sponsored the bill, said:
“[The bill is about] giving these kids that grew up here, that are here
legally or they’ve attained legal status through the DACA program, the
ability to get in-state tuition… this is their home as much as it’s my
grandchildren’s home, because this is where they’ve grown up. But our
system doesn’t provide a pathway for them to be able to obtain
citizenship.”
It’s also good for the state. Research shows Arkansas’ new law could boost the state’s economy.
Estimates project an annual increase of $1.2 million in federal, state,
and local taxes and over $3.9 million in spending power held by these
graduates.
New York passed legislation that goes further. The Jose Peralta New York State Dream Act
allows certain undocumented students to apply for state financial
assistance programs. Since 2001, undocumented students in New York have
been able to access in-state tuition rates but not state financial aid.
Arkansas and New York are in good company. More than 20 states and the District of Columbia
have some degree of tuition equity laws or policies. These policies
enable certain or all undocumented immigrant students to pay in-state
rates. The other states span the country from Utah to Rhode Island and
Kentucky to Hawaii.
Several state universities and university systems provide in-state tuition to undocumented students
as well. This includes the University of Maine Board of Trustees,
University of Michigan Board of Regents, and two Delaware universities.
Despite the differences, many state leaders and experts agree that tuition equity policies
are in the best interest of the state and all of its residents. Prior
research shows that states benefit when they ensure that all students
can access higher education.
For example, tuition equity policies help reduce drop-out rates in high
school and encourage students to stay in the state. They expand the local talent pool, increase income and tax contributions, and provide other economic and social benefits.
These recent state-level developments are an important and encouraging
step. All policymakers should continue to support and address the needs
of their communities and residents, both now and in the future.
