New York, NY—On Monday, the U.S. Department of Justice sued New York, Connecticut and Vermont over policies that make in-state tuition available to residents regardless of their immigration status.
Murad Awawdeh, President and CEO, New York Immigration Coalition:
“An attack on college access in New York is an attack on New York’s future. Every New Yorker deserves the opportunity to pursue a college education and build a future here. Affordable higher education allows young immigrants to thrive, support their families and communities, and stay in school when they might otherwise be forced to drop out. As tuition costs continue to rise, college is already out of reach for far too many New Yorkers. A young, highly educated workforce strengthens New York’s economy by fostering greater productivity, creativity, and entrepreneurship. This lawsuit is yet another baseless attack on our immigrant neighbors, and will ultimately hurt communities across our state. Equal treatment means ensuring that young people who grow up in New York have access to in-state tuition. Our communities need more pathways to education and opportunity, not fewer.”