Education Opportunity / Parity Campaign
Many immigrant students have grown up in Massachusetts, excelled in our schools and are graduating with honors. These students are contributing positively to the state and have lived in Massachusetts for most of their lives. Every year, approximately 400 graduating seniors from MA High Schools, with and without immigration status, are being prohibited from the opportunity to pay college tuition at Massachusetts resident rates. The Education Parity/Opportunity Campaign works to establish a solution to this barrier to higher education.
Increased opportunity for a college education
Education Parity/Opportunity advocates for a solution that ensures that graduates of Massachusetts high schools are able to attend state colleges and universities by paying the same tuition rates as their peers. All students who graduate from MA high schools should be offered the same in-state tuition rates as their classmates. This solution (whether through legislative or administrative efforts) is intended for students who have attended Massachusetts high schools for at least 3 years.
Educational success
Students affected by these current barriers to higher ed. are graduating at the top of their classes as a result of the investment in their K-12 education. They are capable, talented, high achieving students who have and will continue to achieve academically.
No cost to colleges or state
The Education Parity/Opportunity campaign would only address eligibility for tuition rates. It would not provide financial aid, scholarships or loans. Students would pay college tuition and fees out of pocket.
Revenue generating
MA Taxpayers Foundation says the passage of Education Parity would generate $2.5 million in new revenue. Massachusetts public colleges will receive $2.5 million dollars in new tuition payments from students who are currently not attending college because of the high cost of out of state rates. In the long term, Massachusetts will derive positive benefits from increased tax revenues and a greater number of educated workers.
More students educated
MA public universities and colleges have said that the passage of Education Parity will not cause student displacement. It is estimated that the bill will affect only 400 students per year, less than 1% of the more than 40,000 students who attend college in Massachusetts annually.
Students seeking citizenship
Students must sign an affidavit stating that they have filed an application to become a legal permanent resident, or will file an application as soon as they are eligible to do so.
Taxpayers of today, taxpayers of tomorrow
Immigrant students and their families work, pay taxes, and are an important part of our state's economy. These immigrant students' families pay local, state and federal taxes with an individual tax identification number (ITIN number) issued by the IRS. Immigrant labor is critical to the economic health of the Commonwealth. This legislation benefits our state's economy, as these students are able to develop new skills and advance their careers, allowing them to earn more and contribute more to the state in taxes.
Ten other states have passed similar legislation
New Mexico, Texas, Utah, California, New York, Illinois, Washington, Kansas, Nebraska and Oklahoma have already passed similar legislation.
For more information, please contact:
Diana Bell at (617) 350-5480 x207 dbell@miracoalition.org or Carlos Saavedra of SIM (Student Immigrant Movement) at (617) 350-5480 x205
