Higher Education Opportunity for Immigrant Students
The Education Opportunity Campaign seeks to give immigrant youth the opportunity to get a college education and make a better life for themselves and their families.
It is estimated that between 50-65,000 undocumented students around the nation graduate from high school every year but cannot go to college only because of their immigration status. Many of these youth were brought to the country at a young age and have lived in the U.S. for their entire lives. Because immigration policies are both complicated and selective, many students do not immediately qualify for lawful immigration status.
In Massachusetts, nearly 400 students per year cannot attend college because they are not eligible to pay resident tuition rates at public colleges and universities although they have lived in the state for most of their lives.
We work in advocating for proposals that would open the door to higher education for immigrant youth.
NATIONALLY: At the Federal level, we work with a national coalition to advocate for The DREAM Act. For more information contact: Carlos Saavedra at (617) 350-5480 x200 or csaavedra@miracoalition.org
LOCALLY: In MA, we advocate for equal access to higher education through the Education Opportunity Campaign which is pushing for state solutions to ensure MA high school graduates can have a fair chance to pursue their dreams of attending college by having equal access to in-state tuition rates. For more information contact: Diana Bell at (617) 350-5480 x207 or dbell@miracoalition.org
MORE on Education Opportunity for Immigrant Students...
WHAT IS EDUCATION PARITY FOR IMMIGRANT STUDENTS?
Opportunity for college education The Campaign for Education Parity for Immigrant Students wants to ensure that graduates of Massachusetts high schools are able to attend state colleges and universities at the same tuition rates as their peers. All students who have attended Massachusetts high schools for at least 3 years should be offered the same in-state tuition rates as their classmates. Opportunity for 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 Allowing immigrant students to have equal access to higher ed 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 act 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.
Opportunity to educate more students MA public universities and colleges have said that this act will not cause student displacement. It is estimated that the bill will affect only 400-600 students annually, less than 1% of the more than 40,000 students who attend college in the state. Taxpayers of today, taxpayers of tomorrow Immigrant students and their families work, pay taxes, and are an important part of our state’s economy. Immigrant students’ families pay local, state and federal taxes with their social or with an individual tax identification number (ITIN) issued by the IRS. Immigrant labor is critical to the economic health of the Commonwealth. Allowing equal acces to in-state tuition rates would benefit 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 legislation allowing immigrant students equal access to in-state tuition rates:New Mexico, Texas, Utah, California, New York, Illinois, Washington, Kansas, Nebraska and Oklahoma have already passed similar legislation.
Students: Get Involved in the Student Immigrant Movement (SIM)
The STUDENT IMMIGRANT MOVEMENT (SIM) The Student Immigrant Movement (SIM) is a member driven, student-led organization whose purpose is to improve the lives of immigrant students around the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. SIM was founded in 2005 to address the needs of immigrant students in accessing higher education. There are many ways students can get involved! Please visit http://www.simforus.com/ for more information. Contact one of SIM organizers to find out more: SIM Lead Organizer: Carlos Saavedra at (617) 350-5480 x200 or csaavedra@miracoalition.org SIM Boston Organizer: Cris Lagunas at (617)350-5480 x206 or clagunas@simforus.com SIM Brockton Organizer: Suely Neves at sneves@simforus.com
Resources for College Access
My dream is to go to college but I don't have my green card yet. What can I do?Contact Patricia DeOliveira for more information at (617) 350-5480 ext. 219
Questions and answers…
Q: Can I go to college?
A: Yes. You can attend college even without legal immigration status. There are no laws that say you can’t. All public colleges in Massachusetts will enroll undocumented students in degree programs.
Q: Can I obtain financial assistance or loans to finance my education?
A: Yes and no. Unfortunately, in order to receive financial aid or federal or state loans a permanent legal immigration status is required. You are eligible for financial aid from institutional aid from private schools and private scholarships. You are also eligible for private loans as long as you have a co-signer who is a US Citizen or green card holder.
Q: Will I be able to pay in-state tuition at a state college or university?
A: Yes and no. Legal immigration status is generally required in order to be eligible for in-state tuition. Some schools only require proof of application for permanent legal status. All students can pay the set fee (no in-state or out of state rate) for Continuing Education courses.
Q: How do I fill out the college application if I don’t have a social security number?
A: Instead of using your social security number your can use your ITIN or leave it blank. You can also leave blank the space where it asks for your immigration status.
Q: What should I do if I encounter problems in the admission process?
A: You can call the MIRA Coalition and speak with Patricia DeOliveira at (617) 350-5480 ext. 219.
Q: Where can I find more information?
A: You can access the site www.maldef.org where you will find a list of scholarships for undocumented students. You can also find more info at www.simforus.com
|
Fact Sheets
Education Parity for Immigrant Students in MA!
- Every year, approximately 400 graduating seniors from MA High Schools without immigration status are being prohibited from the opportunity to pay college tuition at Massachusetts resident rates. The Education Parity Campaign works to establish a solution to this barrier to higher education by fighting for equal access to in-state tuition rates in MA. Click here to read more about the facts surrounding Education Parity for Immigrant Students and to see which organizations, unions, business leaders and interfaith leaders support Education Parity across the Commonwealth.
MA Taxpayers Foundation Study Finds State would gain millions if Immigrant Students could have Equal Access to Higher Ed
- The MA Taxpayers Foundation completed a study in 2006 that found that the state would gain over $2.5million in additional revenue if undocumented immigrant students were allowed to pay in-state tuition rates. See the attached study for more details.
More information
National Immigration Law Center Find updated information on the DREAM Act and list of similar state legislations National Council of La Raza The legislative action center helps you find your representative and their voting history on immigrant issues
Click here while we construct this page
|
|
|
