As reported in the Boston Globe on November 19, Governor Patrick is directing public colleges and universities to allow young undocumented immigrants to pay the in-state rate for tuition and fees as soon as they obtain work permits through a new federal program. They will be able to apply for a refund for this semester. Saving between $6,000 and $13,000 per year will make it possible for many “Dreamers” to finally be able to afford to attend — and complete — college. Kudos to Governor Patrick!
PHENOM has fought side by side with the Student Immigrant Movement and the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition for many years for this basic right.
The decision comes on the heels of two important recent events:
On Election Day, residents of Maryland approved a ballot referendum for in-state tuition in that state.
President Obama’s decided in June to temporarily halt deportations of immigrants age 30 and under – in large part to allow them to pursue their education. The program is called Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. Any Massachusetts high school graduate who qualified for deferred action will be eligible for in-state tuition in Massachusetts.