Addressing postsecondary access for undocumented students

Among policy actions, states have sought to expand postsecondary education participation and access for a specific subset of undocumented individuals. Since 2001, 18 states have passed legislation to expand the eligibility for in-state tuition for undocumented and other individuals who do not have state residency; five of the 18 states also provide access to state financial aid programs for this population. These state actions, in addition to federal actions such as the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals and the recent Immigration Accountability Executive Action from President Obama, are creating a dialogue around undocumented student populations and how they are both regulated and allowed access to certain opportunities in the United States. This report draws and overview of the states’ responses to federal action.