The nation\u2019s success hinges on the skills and knowledge of its people. Over the past century, the United States had advanced to the world\u2019s leading nation \u2013 in terms of technology, finance,and in the broad accessibility to education.\u00a0 But in order to maintain its advantages in entrepreneurship, technological prowess and civic engagement, the nation must continue to invest in its future generations.<\/p>\n
The next generation of American leaders will be more diverse than ever before.\u00a0 Much of the nation\u2019s future success will come from immigrants \u2013 in the same way as it has since the founding of the nation.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, current federal and state laws prevent young people who are the children of undocumented immigrant parents from receiving financial aid for college. The nation\u2019s leaders know that our future is tied to the success of young people \u2013 including those born of immigrant parents.\u00a0 Yet, gridlock in Washington has stymied action.\u00a0 Thus, the states need to expand financial aid access so that all who are otherwise capable can better afford going to college.<\/p>\n
New York State must act.\u00a0 An important step would be to ensure that state financial aid opportunities, such as the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), are available to undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as children.<\/p>\n
Under New York State law, these children can attend public elementary and secondary schools.\u00a0 Thanks to legislation approved by then-Governor George Pataki, children of undocumented immigrants can attend public colleges and pay the same tuition as other in-state students.<\/p>\n
But they are not eligible for in-state college financial assistance.<\/p>\n
Investment in college financial aid programs, such as TAP, is good investment for New York. The Office of the New York State Comptroller estimates that a person earning a bachelor\u2019s degree would pay more than $60,000 in additional state taxes. \u00a0Thus, ensuring that all New York students \u2013 from traditional to undocumented alike \u2013 can access financial aid to attend college not only helps those individuals, but the state as well.<\/p>\n
And that\u2019s why the idea enjoys widespread support in New York: the State University and City University Boards of Trustees and Chancellors; the New York State Board of Regents; college professors\u2019 organizations; college students\u2019 organizations; and more than 60 diverse groups representing a wide range of constituents across the state.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, last March the legislation fell by the wayside during the debate over the state budget.\u00a0 But lawmakers are now in Albany and are taking up important legislation.\u00a0 They must reexamine this proposal.<\/p>\n
New York State has always been a global beacon for hope and opportunity.\u00a0 In turn, New York\u2019s waves of immigrants have contributed greatly to the state\u2019s vitality and success.\u00a0 It is time for New York to join other states by further extending a helping hand to immigrant children who arrived in New York through circumstances beyond their control, yet who share the same hopes, aspirations and potential of their counterparts.<\/p>\n
A proposal to expand the state\u2019s financial aid programs to students of undocumented immigrant parents was part of the state Assembly\u2019s budget, was supported by Governor Cuomo, but was defeated in the state Senate.<\/p>\n
As lawmakers begin their dash to the end of session in about a month, it is important that expanding the state\u2019s availability to college financial aid must be approved.<\/p>\n