Pro-immigrant groups advocate for drivers' licenses and in-state college tuition for non-citizens
Undocumented immigrants live, work, and go to school in Pennsylvania. They live just like those born in America. They pay taxes and volunteer in their communities. Studies even show that they commit fewer crimes than their native-born neighbors.
But there are everyday things that they can’t do legally, and they don’t have access to some of the benefits Pennsylvania residents might take for granted. For example, undocumented immigrants can’t acquire drivers’ licenses in the commonwealth. And for those that need a car for work or to attend school, that means they are breaking the law, and risking deportation almost every day.
A group of pro-immigrant advocates is trying to change that. The Pennsylvania Immigrant and Citizen Coalition, along with Pittsburgh groups Bhutanese Community Association of Pittsburgh, Casa San Jose, and many others from across Pennsylvania are advocating for immigration-related bills in Harrisburg.
Near the top of their list is a bill allowing non-citizen Pennsylvanians who attend and graduate from Pennsylvania high schools to access in-state college tuition. Sundrop Carter of PICC says, currently, many undocumented immigrants, even DACA-recipients, do not qualify for in-state tuition to Pennsylvania state-run universities, despite the fact many have lived here most of their lives.
Read more: https://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/pro-immigrant-groups-advocate-for-drivers-licenses-and-in-state-college-tuition-for-non-citizens/Content?oid=15232464
(Pittsburgh City Paper)