RI Guarantees In-State College Tuition, Immigration Status Aside

PROVIDENCE, RI — All Rhode Island residents are now eligible for in-state tuition rates at colleges and universities, thanks to a new law. Gov. Dan McKee ceremonially signed the legislation Monday at the Community College of Rhode Island's Providence campus.

"Education is a promise for a better future and this bill demonstrates Rhode Island’s commitment to supporting all students," McKee said. "This legislation is not only about equity, but an increased access to higher education, which will benefit our community for years to come."

The bill was sponsored by Sen. Sandra Cano and Rep. Grace Diaz, and was approved by the General Assembly this session.

"This is an issue that I am extremely passionate about. As someone who came to this country with very little, I know first-hand the opportunities that a good education can bring to someone who is willing to work hard," Diaz said. "With limited skills-based jobs, improving college affordability is becoming a bigger priority for everyone. And we have so much untapped potential that has come into our state from all over the world."

To qualify for in-state tuition, students must attend an approved Rhode Island high school for three years, live in the state and file for immigration status as soon as they are able.

Cano, who came to the U.S. from Colombia as a teenager, said that education "led me to where I am today."

"I believe that all of the children with similar backgrounds such as mine should have the same opportunity," Cano continued. "This bill will provide those opportunities for our young students who wish nothing more than to better themselves and their futures through education in order to provide for themselves, their families and their communities."

Meghan Hughes, CCRI's president, said the "transformative act ... increase[s] access to higher education for everyone."

"As an institution of higher education, we firmly believe every person deserves access to a college degree, no matter their financial position or immigration status," Hughes said. "The Student Success Act makes higher education more affordable and accessible for many more Rhode Islanders, furthers their future social and economic mobility and helps strengthen our communities."