There are around 100,000 undocumented immigrants living in the state of Wisconsin according to Pew Research Center’s 2010 study. As of now, none of them are eligible for FAFSA student aid or in-state tuition.
The Student Association at UWM is looking to change that by proposing a tuition equity act that would make undocumented students eligible for in-state tuition.
“I think that this legislation is a solidarity statement, saying that the Student Association will stand behind students who are undocumented and need better access to universities,” said Jhoselinn Perez, a main sponsor of the act and a former undocumented student.
The process for an undocumented student to become eligible for student aid is a lengthy and expensive one. It requires the student to be sponsored by someone who is currently a citizen. The sponsor will petition for the sponsored person to have permanent residency in the country. This process can take years and thousands of dollars to complete.
Seventeen states have adopted similar policies to make college more accessible for the undocumented population.
The Student Association cites low enrollment rates and Wisconsin’s need for more professionals and entrepreneurs as reasons why an act like this is needed.
“Think about the lack of diversity at our college and how beautiful it would be to see an influx of new people and fresh minds,” said Perez.
The act was passed by the student senate and is now being sent to local and state representatives to be passed into law.