PHOENIX — Public universities in Arizona said Thursday they will keep providing in-state tuition for young immigrants who came to the U.S. at an early age despite a recent court decision that threw it in doubt.
Young immigrants clad in bright yellow shirts emblazoned with “Protect In-State Tuition for DACA Students” stood closely together holding hands as the Arizona Board of Regents voted to retain the policy during a special meeting.
The decision garnered applause from students who would be directly affected and could now confidently stay in school for the time being.
The board’s vote came after the Court of Appeals said last week those in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program do not qualify for lower in-state college tuition.
Arizona State University student and DACA recipient Diana Aguilera said if the decision stands, it would take her years to finish her senior year of college.
Aguilera, 25, said she currently works full-time at an interpreter call center from 3 a.m. until just before she starts the school day at 10 a.m. to cover her in-state tuition costs.
“I’ve been in this a little longer and it would suck for me as well but I feel for those that are barely getting their dreams started,” Aguilera said. “That are barely getting their professional careers started and would not be able to continue because of this.”