Freedom University Calls for Georgia to Follow Arizona’s Lead

Arizona voters just approved in-state tuition for undocumented students.

Now, it is time for Georgia to do the same.

Here is why in-state tuition for undocumented students benefits all of us.

• The Supreme Court ruled in Plyler v. Doe (1982) that all children have the right to free K-12 public education because education is a public good, and undocumented immigrants are people with a constitutional right to equal protection under the law.

• We invest $100,000+ in each child’s K-12 education. In-state tuition in public higher education for undocumented students allows us all to get the best return on our investment.

• Undocumented immigrants also pay Georgia taxes- $350 million each year in state taxes alone.

• More than 21 states grant undocumented students in-state tuition. These states recognize it is the fiscally responsible thing to do, given our prior investment in students’ K-12 education. They recognize that it is the fair thing to do because undocumented students and their families fund public universities with their taxes. They recognize that it is the strategic thing to do: it is in everyone’s best interest when young people who want to go to college are given opportunities to develop and reach their full human potential.

Educate yourself and others on Georgia’s in-state tuition ban. Learn about Georgia Board of Regents Policy 4.3.4, which bans undocumented students from in-state tuition. Research legislative efforts in Georgia that seek to expand tuition equality for undocumented students.

Follow the lead of undocumented youth in Georgia who are fighting for their human right to education.