Political leaders from across the Commonwealth weighed in today on attorney general Mark Herring’s announcement that Virginia law makes students with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival status, otherwise known as DREAMers, eligible for in-state tuition at Virginia public community colleges and universities:
Gov. Terry McAuliffe:
“As I said throughout my campaign, I believe that Virginia children who were brought here at a young age, grew up here, and have stayed out of trouble, should absolutely have access to the same educational opportunities as everyone else. To grow a 21st Century economy, Virginia needs to be open and welcoming to all who call our Commonwealth home, and I am encouraged to see progress being made in this area during my administration.
“I fully support the Attorney General’s opinion that those students who have been approved by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals qualify for in-state tuition, and I am committed to ensuring that this becomes a reality during my administration. I will work diligently with SCHEV, VCCS, and college and university presidents to further review this policy and make sure that all Virginia students have access to our quality education system.”
U.S. Sen. Mark Warner:
“Today’s announcement is an important step in the direction of fairness and economic opportunity for the children of undocumented immigrants,” Sen. Warner said. “If the United States is going to win the talent competition in today’s global economy, the last thing we need to do is exclude educated young people who were brought here through no fault of their own. When I was governor, we tried to ensure that DREAMers would have access to in-state tuition at Virginia’s public colleges and universities and I’m thrilled that attorney general Herring has determined that under law, these Virginians will have access to educational opportunity.”
U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine:
“attorney general Herring’s announcement that Virginia DREAMers will now qualify for in-state tuition at Virginia’s public community colleges and universities is welcome news for our Commonwealth. Access to quality, affordable higher education will provide an additional path to help them reach their full potential and ultimately help grow Virginia’s economy as productive members of the state’s workforce and their communities. These are young people in whom we have already invested through public elementary and secondary education and who deserve the opportunity to fully give back to the only country they have ever called home.”
Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam:
“I applaud the attorney general for the decision made today to extend in-state tuition to those Virginia students who have been approved under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. His determination that students with DACA status can now qualify for in-state tuition is great news for the Commonwealth. This policy will drastically help these young adults access affordable higher education at Virginia’s community colleges, and public colleges and universities. Ultimately, these young adults will be better able to fulfill their potential, contribute to the economy and their local communities in new ways.”
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Chris Graham
