Washington – United States Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Congressman Jared Polis (D-Colo.) 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, and it would provide $750 million in increased funding for states that exercise their option to make college education more accessible.

In December, First Focus released an 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 Murray-Polis announcement, the First Focus Campaign for Children released the following statement by 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. Senator Murray and Congressman Polis understand that 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 www.ffcampaignforchildren.org.