Group to press Massachusetts State House to have all immigrant residents qualify for in-state tuition and financial aid

Boston, MA – On Tuesday at the State House, the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee and Advocacy Coalition will join fellow advocates and others to testify in support of tuition equity at a Joint Committee on Higher Education hearing.

The hearing is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 18 in room A-1 at the State House.

“All immigrant residents, regardless of status, must have the opportunity to qualify for in-state tuition and financial aid at public colleges and universities,” said Elizabeth Sweet, MIRA Coalition Executive Director. “Not only will tuition equity make higher education in Massachusetts more equitable but it will help create the strong, knowledgeable workforce of the future the Commonwealth depends on. We look forward to joining our allies in testifying in support of tuition equity next week.”

Alongside the MIRA Coalition, directly impacted students will testify in support of tuition equity. Organizations such as Stories Inspiring Movement and Massachusetts Association of Community Colleges will testify in support of tuition equity too.

The Senate’s fiscal year 2024 budget unveiled in May would allow Bay State high school graduates, regardless of their immigration status, to attend public colleges and universities at the lower cost for in-state students and make them eligible to receive state financial aid.