On Wednesday, four Democratic state legislators from Colorado proposed a new bill that would allow undocumented students to pay in-state tuition at public colleges and universities.
If certain criteria were met, SB 126 would allow for in-state tuition, said Rep. Joe Miklosi (Denver), one of the bill’s presenters. He explained that it would not create more expenses for the state, because the students would not be eligible for state education subsidies.
“Colorado does not have to invest a single cent,” he said.
According to the bill, once the undocumented students graduated high school, they would have to apply to college or university within the next 12 months, and sign a sworn statement confirming they lack proper immigration documentation, but are in the process of obtaining it or will begin the procedure shortly.
Fellow presenter Sen. Mike Johnston, as of Denver, stated that the bill’s stipulations ensure that no undocumented student would take the resources of opportunities from any another student.
SB 126 was presented by Reps. Miklosi and Angela Williams (Denver), and state Sens. Johnston and Angela Giron (Pueblo).
Two years ago, Miklosi had a similar proposal, but it was rejected in the state Senate.
