Washington – United States Senators Patty Murray (D-Washington) and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Congressman Jared Polis (D-Colorado) and Congressman Joaquin Castro (D-Texas) introduced legislation today to support states invested in higher education access for all students, including undocumented students. The Investing IN States To Achieve Tuition Equity (IN-STATE) for Dreamers Act would eliminate a bureaucratic obstacle for states that make in-state tuition rates available to qualifying students regardless of immigration status, including qualifying students issued deferred action under the Obama Administration’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals initiative. It would also provide $750 million in increased funding for states that exercise their option to make college education more accessible.

A 2013 First Focus analysis on the higher education barriers facing immigrant students. The report, Access to Education: Challenges and Opportunities for Immigrant Students, highlights the potential gains from improved in-state tuition access and the elimination of federal obstacles for immigrant students.

In response to the bill’s introduction, the First Focus Campaign for Children released the following statement by its president, Bruce Lesley:

“America wins when every young person has an opportunity to reach his or her full potential and contribute to our nation’s success. Eliminating the barriers to children’s success is the best way to build a strong and vibrant future for America.”

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The First Focus Campaign for Children is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization affiliated with First Focus, a bipartisan children’s advocacy organization. The Campaign for Children advocates directly for legislative change in Congress to ensure children and families are the priority in federal policy and budget decisions. For more information, visit campaignforchildren.org.