More than a dream?

Today at the capitol, high school students are meeting with their legislators in support of the Minnesota Dream Act. The legislation would allow all Minnesota High School graduates to attend college at the in-state tuition costs, regardless of their citizenship status.

This is the fourth time it’s been presented to the legislature. Last year the legislation passed in both the Senate and the House as part of an education bill, but it was struck when Governor Pawlenty threatened to veto the bill because of it.

At the University of Minnesota, it costs a Minnesotan $3,975 to take a “full-load” — or 13 or more credits — per semester. A non-resident pays more than double — $9,790.

Non-resident tuition is a lot of money, especially for someone who may not be at the top of the socio-economic ladder, like many of Minnesota’s immigrants, documented and undocumented.

Here’s the case: There’s a lot of kids who were born somewhere else and were brought to Minnesota when they were very young. They’ve attended public schools, been in school plays, captained the football team and been honor students. For all intents and purposes, they’re all-around good Minnesotan students.

Of course they’re accepted to college, but, because they’re not Minnesota residents, they don’t get in-state tuition rates. And for many, the $11,600 yearly cost difference between going to college as a resident or non-resident is enough to keep them from college. So they work in low-paying jobs where their potential is all but lost.

It’s good for Minnesota to have college-educated people living in our state, whether they’re documented or not. According to research conducted by the College Board, higher levels of education correspond to lower unemployment and poverty rates for the state. College grads are less likely to need social “safety net” programs. They have lower smoking rates and overall healthier lifestyles than non-college grads. College grads are also more likely to engage in civic work, volunteer and donate blood. Some research suggests they’re also less likely to divorce.

And it’s also good for the individual. For those who want it, a college education is an opportunity for students to grow in their understanding of themselves and the world, and to develop knowledge and skills that will serve both them and their families. Education itself is a dignified thing that serves to affirm the dignity of those who pursue it.

However, the Minnesota Dream Act does point to its authors’ desire for federal immigration reform. After all, how likely is it that an undocumented person will risk deportment to go to college? What are his or her chances of securing a good job after college if he or she is not a citizen?