(The Center Square) – For residents of the commonwealth, the affordability of in-state tuition within the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education is often the deciding factor in whether or not a graduating high school senior moves on to college.
Currently, that rate of tuition – which saw a modest increase of less than $300 annually after a seven-year freeze – is applied to those who have lived in the state for a minimum of 12 months.
That rate does not necessarily apply, however, to those who aren’t U.S. citizens. Among that group are thousands of students who attend Pennsylvania public schools and whose families pay taxes.
A bill introduced in the House by Rep. Greg Scott, D-Norristown, would widen the net to include students who have established residency regardless of immigration status.
“Pennsylvania is currently facing a severe workforce crisis, and by 2032 it is estimated that there will be 218,000 open jobs in the Commonwealth that require postsecondary skills,” wrote Scott. “If we graduate 48,000 more workers by 2032, our economy can experience a nearly $20 billion boost.”
His reasoning is in line with many who say that immigration is the key to solving Pennsylvania’s looming demographic crisis. As more and more of the Baby Boomer generation approach the end of life, there are fewer young people in the state to meet its needs, resulting in widespread staffing shortages. Advocates say that’s all the more reason to welcome newcomers.
For those who argue for stronger immigration enforcement, however, the idea of extending privileges like in-state tuition, which is made possible through state funding, to unauthorized immigrants is out of the question. In several states, Republicans have sought to keep undocumented children from attending public school.
Opponents argue that the state’s limited resources should be reserved for U.S. citizens, regardless of tax contributions from immigrants. They also worry that benefits like in-state tuition will incentivize people to enter the country illegally.
Estimates from the Migration Policy Institute place Pennsylvania’s unauthorized immigrant population at 153,000. Among them, about 10,000 children, or 87% of those who are school-aged, are enrolled in school.
