Board moves to grant in-state tuition to some undocumented students

A committee of the board that oversees state colleges and universities is recommending the extension of in-state tuition rates to some undocumented students.

The change would affect students who earn a high school diploma in Rhode Island, and who have attended a Rhode Island school for at least three consecutive years.

Granting resident tuition to students who are not legal residents has been controversial, with critics charging that it rewards illegal behavior. Supporters say students who are brought to this country by their parents should not be punished for actions they could not control, and they say the high cost of tuition makes higher education inaccessible for many students who work hard to graduate from high school.

Several attempts to get similar legislation through the General Assembly have been unsuccessful. The next meeting of the full Board of Governor’s for Higher Education is next Monday.