In-State Tuition for Immigrant Children

Provisions of the Bill: The proposed bill would allow children who attend high school for at least two years in Connecticut and graduate from a Connecticut high school to pay in-state tuition to attend state public colleges and universities, regardless of their immigration status. The students would be required to file an affidavit with the college stating that they would apply for citizenship as soon as they were eligible.

The Students: The undocumented students in question were brought to this country by their parents. Many are honors students with great hopes for higher education, but unless they were born in the U.S. their status is determined by that of their parents. In most cases they have no way to apply for legal status without risking deportation of themselves and their families when they identify themselves to the immigration authorities. They are not eligible for state or federal financial aid (this bill would not change that situation) and most cannot afford to pay out-of-state tuition. Most WILL eventually become legal. We want them to be productive and highly educated citizens of our state.

Economic and Workforce Issues: According to the Connecticut Business and Industry Association, our state has an urgent need for well-educated workers. The number of high school graduates in the state is expected to peak in 2008 and decline thereafter. Also, 10% of the high school students with the highest grades on the CAPT tests do not attend college. Some of those missing students are undocumented immigrants kept from college by prohibitive costs. If we want an economy based on highly qualified workers rather than residents who pay lower taxes and may be a drain on social service and even criminal justice budgets, we need to give access to higher education to all of the most talented students. Ten states ( California , Texas , Utah , New York , Oklahoma , Washington , Kansas , Illinois , New Mexico , and Nebraska ) have already enacted the proposed in-state tuition bill. If Connecticut delays its passage we will find ourselves in a position of competitive disadvantage.

Possible Changes in Federal Immigration Policy: The DREAM Act, which would provide a path to legalization for undocumented high school students who attend college, is included in most versions of immigration reform bills in Congress. It does not deal with tuition. Even if it passes we would need this bill.

Fiscal Implications: The fiscal notes in Texas and Massachusetts both concluded that there would be no additional cost to the state as a result of this bill. Community colleges have open admission and would receive additional tuition. Universities would see a slight improvement in the caliber of their students but no increase in the total number of students. Based on the numbers in other states after passing the bill It is estimated that fewer than 250 students would exercise the in-state tuition option due to the passage of this bill

Legality: Court decisions in Kansas and California have rejected challenges to the bill.