Posted: Jan 21, 2015 3:47 PM PST Updated: Jan 21, 2015 5:15 PM PST
Posted by David Kenney


Now they're lobbying lawmakers to create a tuition equity law that would give in-state discounts on tuition, regardless of their US-citizenship status. Source: WLBT

JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) - A group of undocumented Mississippi residents converged on the State Capitol steps Wednesday, rallying for equal access to in-state tuition.

They have caps and gowns but that's where education stopped for many of them.

Even after graduating from high school in Mississippi, they say they're still being charged out-of-state tuition to attend colleges and universities in the state.

Now they're lobbying lawmakers to create a tuition equity law that would give in-state discounts on tuition, regardless of their US-citizenship status.

Father Jerry Tobin, a board member for the Mississippi Immigrant Rights Alliance says, "Some of them are undocumented by no fault of their own. We want them to take full advantage of the executive order of our President, to give them a place."

Supporters say the state is missing out on the economic benefits and talents these potential college students can offer.

Representative Reecy Dickson, the author of the bill says, "This is an opportunity to raise the education level for all people."

"My dream is to become a nurse and I'm going to become one and I'm here today to be able to do that, and I will become one," says Mariana Banuelos a D'Iberville High grad.

According to the policies and bylaws of the Mississippi Institution of Higher Learning, not having legal documentation of citizenship should not require you to pay out-of-state tuition.

Their rules state that all students under the age of 21 must use their parents address to register.

If they live in state, they will pay in-state tuition.

They can also get in-state tuition if they attended a Mississippi high school for four years, and graduated.

http://www.myfoxal.com/story/2790809...n-equity-rally