California State Senators propose a bill that would allow out-of-state students to pay in-state tuition.
Community Colleges in San Diego are devising a pilot program that would allow students who live in Mexico and attend school in some California counties to pay in-state tuition.
Authored by Assemblyman David Alvarez, Assembly Bill 91, is a pilot program proposed that stipulates that 200 students would be able to participate in the program and that these students must be from low-income families and live within 45 miles of the U.S. – Mexico border.
Furthermore, the participating students must also have proper visas and documentation that would eliminate some immigration complications.
Alvarez stated that the bill is to help students travel to US community colleges from Mexico. Alvarez also believes that if proven successful, this program will benefit the local economy.
“It’s a well-integrated economy that we’re proud of in this region … We hope that by educating the future workforce — which happens to live on the Mexican side — we can continue to grow as a region and create more economic opportunities … This is a testament to the quality of education that our community colleges are providing”.
Since the pandemic, enrollment at community colleges has reached an all-time low, dropping nearly 20 percent further from the worst enrollment rate in recent decades. The belief among various community college staff and administrations is that the program will encourage eligible students to pursue an education with reasonable tuition. Attendance at community colleges could also mean a future influx of skilled workers, which will aid both local and national economies.
However, the bill is not without faults. Since being introduced, there still has not been an estimated cost for the bill or the execution of the program. The only figures that were given in regard to AB 91 were that the plan of the bill was to reduce students’ daily spending including but not limited to commuting by 85%.
