FROM THE STATEHOUSE: RI Reps Push for In-State Tuition Rates for Immigrants
Chris Boardman

Story Created: Mar 23, 2010 at 4:02 PM EDT

(Story Updated: Mar 23, 2010 at 4:02 PM EDT )

Pichardo, Diaz push for in-state tuition rates for immigrants

STATE HOUSE –Sen. Juan M. Pichardo (D-Dist. 2, Providence) and Rep. Grace Diaz (D-Dist. 11, Providence) tomorrow will join members of the Coalition of Advocates for Student Opportunities and the International Institute of Rhode Island at a news conference to discuss their proposal to grant all students, regardless of immigration status, the opportunity to go to college.

The news conference will be held on Wednesday, March 24 at 3:30 p.m. in the Bell Room of the State House.

The Student Equal Economic Opportunity Act (2010-S 2262 and 2010-H 7172) would make higher education more affordable and accessible for undocumented immigrant students who meet the proper residency requirements, or are in the process of doing so.

The bill would require that all children who attend (for at least three years) and graduate from Rhode Island’s high schools qualify for in-state college tuition, regardless of immigration status.

In order to qualify for the in-state rate, an undocumented immigrant who is applying to a state college must file an application to legalize his or her immigration status or plan on filing an application as soon as he or she is eligible to do so.


http://www.abc6.com/news/rhodeisland/88949352.html