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Rep. Ruben Gallego Urges AZ Board Of Regents To Support In-State Tuition Rates For AZ DREAMers

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The Arizona Board of Regents is currently considering a proposal that could make college more affordable for DREAMers.

Because of a 2006 voter-passed state initiative, undocumented students are currently ineligible for in-state tuition rates. But yesterday, the Arizona Board of Regents announced they’d consider lowering tuition rates for DREAMers who live in Arizona to only 50% more than what in-state students are paying.

The State Press writes that the move could potentially save undocumented students thousands of dollars in tuition. DREAMers at ASU are currently paying $24,000 yearly in tuition, compared to the $10,000 in-state students pay.

However, advocates are pushing for the Arizona Board to Regents to go the full mile and grant Arizona DREAMers the same in-state tuition rates as their counterparts.

Arizona DREAMers like Erika Andiola of DRM Action Coalition have already rallied in support of in-state tuition equality, and today, Rep. Ruben Gallego penned a letter to the Arizona Board of Regents also urging them to support in-state tuition equality for DREAMers:

“The Arizona Board of Regents’ proposal to give lower tuition to DACA recipients is a good step forward, however it doesn’t go far enough in ensuring that DREAMers – who have lived, been educated and grown up in our state – have access to the same tuition rates and opportunities as their Arizonan counterparts. For many young people this will make the difference between being able to attend college or not.

“Having an educated youth is good for Arizona’s economy and for our businesses looking to hire young, talented people to remain competitive. I urge the Arizona Board of Regents to follow the lead of the Maricopa County Community Colleges and reconsider giving DREAMers in-state tuition.”

Read Rep. Gallego’s statement in full here.