University access eases for undocumented students

While the US Congress struggles with passing immigration reform, many lawmakers and educators around the country are finding common ground on initiatives that improve undocumented students' access to higher education, writes Amanda Holpuch for the Guardian.

Republicans in Colorado have demonstrated support for a proposed bill that would grant undocumented immigrants in-state tuition at the schools' public universities. University of Notre Dame announced last week that it would consider undocumented applicants the same as domestic applicants. In July, Loyola medical school in Chicago waived legal residency as a requirement and is working to improve financial aid for these students.

Advocates agree that since Texas became the first state to enact legislation that provides in-state tuition to undocumented migrants in 2001, these students have gained improved access to higher education. "I think what's probably happening now is there is more openness about the topic and all these students have done a great campaign of advocating for themselves," said Alejandra Rincon, author of Undocumented Immigrants and Higher Education: Si Se Puede. "I think a lot more universities feel comfortable about making announcements and finding these students."
Full report on the Guardian site