Arizona’s In-State Tuition Law for Immigrants: A Legal Victory
In Arizona, a recent legal interpretation by Attorney General Kris Mayes has brought a wave of optimism among immigrant students. The evaluation confirms that a state law granting in-state tuition to “Dreamers” is consistent with federal regulations.
With bipartisan approval, voters passed Proposition 308 in 2022, partially overturning previous restrictions and allowing in-state tuition for all high school graduates in Arizona, irrespective of their immigration status.
Arizona joins 23 other states with similar legislation. However, in April, an executive order from former President Donald Trump mandated the U.S. attorney general to challenge such local laws, claiming they give preferential treatment to immigrants. This caused significant confusion, as highlighted by Reyna Montoya from the advocacy group Aliento.
“We also heard stories from students that were being given the wrong information by counselors and by teachers, so that was really alarming for us,” Montoya stated. “So seeing this week that Attorney General Mayes affirmed that Prop. 308 or in-state tuition with the state of Arizona is in alignment with federal law, that was very validating.”
Montoya estimates that about 3,500 Arizona high school students annually benefit from the law, which also encourages those who had to pause their education to return, thanks to the affordability it offers.
Before this legislation, undocumented students and those under DACA in Arizona were paying up to three times more than their U.S.-born peers. Now, they enjoy the same tuition rates, thanks to this progressive law.
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