As the federal government works toward a bipartisan solution to immigration reform, we’re left to wonder if a comprehensive change will happen. However, there is some movement on the local level as 12 states have passed their own version of the DREAM Act. The legislation would have given young immigrants a path to citizenship and was rejected by the senate in 2010.

To help give young undocumented immigrants an option to pursue their studies, the following states have passed their own version of education reform for DREAMers:

California

The California DREAM Act allows students, who meet certain qualifications, to pay the same tuition and fees as in-state residents at public colleges and universities. Additionally, it grants undocumented students the ability to apply for and receive private scholarships, university grants, state financial aid, and community college fee waivers. The student meets the requirements if he or she has:

• Attended a California high school for at least three years
• Received one of the following: California high school diploma, California GED, or passed the California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE)
• Enrolled in an accredited California institute of higher education
• Filled out an affidavit stating that they’ll file for legal immigration status when eligible

Illinois

This state’s DREAM Act is the first in the country to have a private scholarship fund for undocumented students. It helps families of students plan for college by giving them access to the Treasurer’s College Savings Pool and the Illinois Prepaid Tuition Plan. The act also requires high school counselors to be informed about undocumented students’ higher education options. The student meets the requirements if he or she has:

• Attended an Illinois high school for at least three years or received a GED or high school diploma equivalent
• Resided with parents or guardians while attending high school in Illinois
• At least one parent who immigrated to the U.S.

Kansas, Massachusetts, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin

These states provide in-state tuition to undocumented immigrants if they have:

• Attended a state high school for at least three years
• Graduated from a state high school or received a state GED
• Signed an affidavit stating they will file for legal status when eligible

Maryland

Maryland’s DREAM Act was voted into law by popular vote. On top of granting in-state tuition to students, it also provides in-state status for active military families that live in the state, and to veterans that register within four years of military discharge. The student meets the requirements if he or she has:

• Attended a Maryland high school for at least three years
• Graduated from a Maryland high school or received a GED
• Paid (or has parents who have paid) state income taxes during the three years that the student attended high school in Maryland

Nebraska

Nebraska’s DREAM Act grants the student in-state tuition to public colleges and universities in the state. It allows students whose parents have moved out of the state to retain their in-state tuition rates, as long as they can provide proof of their intention to reside in Nebraska. The student meets the requirements if he or she has:

• Graduated from a Nebraska public or private high school, or obtained a GED
• Lived in Nebraska for at least three years prior to high school graduation/GED certification
• Resided with a parent or guardian while enrolled in high school
• Registered as a college student no earlier than fall 2006
• Signed an affidavit (that’s later notarized) stating they will apply for legal status when they’re eligible

New Mexico

New Mexico’s DREAM Act provides in-state tuition to undocumented immigrants who have:

• Attended a New Mexico high school for at least one year
• Graduated from a New Mexico high school or obtained a New Mexico GED

New York

New York’s DREAM Act offers in-state tuition rates to undocumented immigrants who have:

• Attended a New York high school for at least two years
• Graduated from a New York high school or obtained a New York GED
• Applied for college within five years of high school graduation or GED certification
• Signed an affidavit stating they will apply for legal status when they are eligible to do so

Utah

Utah offers in-state tuition rates to undocumented immigrants who have:

• Attended a Utah high school for at least three years
• Graduated from a Utah high school or received a Utah GED
• Registered as an incoming student at an institution of higher education no earlier than fall 2002
• Signed an affidavit stating they will apply for legal status when they are eligible

Do any of these state-level DREAM Acts affect you? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter. If you want to learn more about your options prior to comprehensive immigration reform passing, such as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), or to get your case started, give us a call at 855-603-7326.