States Must Expand Higher-Education Opportunities for Undocumented Students

As the national debate over the president’s plan to expand deferred action for close to 5 million people plays out in the courts, state legislators are proposing legislation regarding undocumented immigrants’ access to higher education. Since the beginning of the year, at least 12 states have introduced legislation on their tuition-equity policies, which determine access to public colleges and universities for undocumented students. More bills are anticipated in other states. This year, however, Texas representatives introduced H.B. 209, which would strip the state’s undocumented students of the opportunity to apply for in-state tuition. This report argues why states should expand higher education opportunities for undocumented students.