Each year, thousands of students in Massachusetts graduate from high school without the prospect of a college education because of their immigration status. Although these hardworking students and their families have been part of our state's social and economic fabric for decades, they are forced to pay out-of-state tuition rates (up to three or even four times the in-state tuition rate) and are barred from receiving state financial aid assistance.

At least 22 states- including Texas, Florida, Utah and New Mexico- have already passed in-state tuition legislation and 6 states offer students access to state financial aid, with overwhelming public support and bipartisan collaboration. In 2015, Massachusetts should be counted in that number. 

With Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), President Barack Obama's sweeping administrative relief program in 2012, approximately 16,000 undocumented immigrant youth and their families will finally be able to work legally and fully participate in our state's economy and growth. The legislature has a unique and historic opportunity to contribute to that success by opening viable pathways to a college education for ready, eager and talented immigrant youth. With college degrees and technical training under their belts, we can ensure that our state maintain its dinstictive economic edge and fulfill our country's founding promise of opportunity and equity. 

Sign the petition and make sure the Massachusetts Legislature passes the Student Immigrant Movement's Education Equity legislation in 2015 to ensure young undocumented students have access to in-state tuition rates and state financial aid.