I have been a resident of Delaware since 2017, assimilating and contributing to our community and paying taxes diligently. As an individual on an H1-B visa with an approved I140 immigration petition, I had hoped to secure a future for my family in this great state. However, a pressing concern looms over us: the unexpectedly high international tuition rates at the University of Delaware for dependent, aging-out children from H4 into F-1 visas, with no access to Federal aid, scholarships or student loans of any sorts. The current rule requires the student to file immigration petition/ change of status before 21 for them to be considered instate.

In just about three years, my daughter will age out, and due to the current slow processing of green cards, it’s unlikely that our permanent residency will be finalized by then. Despite our long-standing domicile status in Delaware and contributions to the state economy, my daughter will have to pay high international tuition rather than being considered an in-state student. With no access to FAFSA, scholarships of any kind, and even student loans, one could only dream of setting aside $40,000 to $60,000 per child per year for tuition from regular salaries. I have another child graduating soon, who will be in a similar boat.

This situation isn't unique to my family. There are countless others in Delaware facing this unbearable financial burden. Families on H1-B, L1, and other work visas who've been part of Delaware's fabric for years are helplessly witnessing their children being categorized as international students, simply due to existing policy limitations. These families, like mine, have been tax contributors, community participants, law-abiding and loyal residents.

Statistics show that nearly 2 million dependent students in the U.S. are on F-1 visas, and a significant number live in Delaware. They should not be penalized with international student fees when their parents have been domiciled and assimilated in the state and paying local taxes sincerely for years. Allowing these students to qualify for in-state tuition ensures access to affordable education and helps nurture talent that will undoubtedly contribute to America’s future economy.

This issue requires policy change, and we are urging the US Senator of Delaware to address this burden. Ensuring in-state tuition rates for these dependent students not only acknowledges their family's contributions but also invests in a more inclusive and economically inclusive higher education landscape.

Please join us in urging Delaware's leadership to enact this critical change. Sign this petition to support fair tuition for dependent immigrant students who are on F-1 visas solely because they aged out of their H4. Let's build a system that's just and equitable for all our state’s residents.