Access or Barrier? Tuition and Fee Legislation for Undocumented Students across the States

Abstract

States have responded in a variety of ways to undocumented immigration and its implications for higher education. Some states have allowed undocumented students to seek an affordable college education while others have created barriers. This article highlights the piecemeal legislation that the states have passed in order to respond to the needs of undocumented students; namely, policies allowing undocumented students in-state resident tuition. It also considers the policy impacts on undocumented students and the institutions and faculty that serve them.