Immigration reform may bar N.C. students from pursuing higher education

State Representatives George Cleveland (R) and Chris Whitmire (R) proposed a bill on March 5 that could make it harder for undocumented students to seek higher education at community colleges and universities in North Carolina.

If the proposed bill, House Bill 218 titled “No Post-Secondary Education/Illegal Aliens,” is passed, it could overturn current policies that allow students with unlawful immigration status to attend community colleges and universities.

Currently, undocumented immigrants can attend North Carolina universities and community colleges by paying out-of-state tuition costs and meeting criteria such as attending high schools in the United States.

Abraham Dones, the assistant director of multicultural affairs, has worked with undocumented students in the past. Dones said the proposed legislation could hinder undocumented students.

“Legislation like the one proposed just provides the opportunity to place these students on pathways that, to me, will not lead them to success,” Dones said. “What other avenues are we providing these specific students with regards to becoming a better qualified member of our society? I was always at the notation that an educated society is always a better society.”

Future illegal immigrants would no longer be able to pursue their education at universities like N.C. State or other UNC-System schools. The bill doesn’t only focus on UNC System institutions but it also looks to expand the same admission restrictions to illegal immigrants seeking higher education at any North Carolina community college.

América Moreno, an undocumented psychology student at Meredith College, said going to college for the Hispanic community, especially undocumented immigrants, seems unattainable and potentially harmful to many in such a community.

The bill was proposed in 2009 and again in 2011, according to Moreno.

“It hasn’t worked so far,” Moreno said. “It would be barring and would prevent us from being able to get an education and also from being able to be a contributing citizen to the American society.” 

The bill will not affect current students who are enrolled with unlawful immigration statuses at any of the UNC campuses or community colleges.

The major purpose of each and every institution operating under the provisions of this bill is to continue offering education and training “for students who have lawful immigration status under federal law,” and only those students.

Elizabeth James, director of the Office of International Services, said if the bill becomes law it could create an environment where people would not be allowed to contribute to the state. 

“It creates a chilling climate within the state,” James said. “As an educator, you hope universities are seen as open to all, especially at the community college level. This would certainly send a different message then what exists currently.”

James also said that she believes that the long-term implications of bills aimed to prevent people from becoming members of our society have not been thought about.

Representative Cleveland chose not to comment on the matter.  

Representative Whitmire was not able to respond in time due to a “slammed schedule.”

House Bill 218 has been sent to the House Standing Committee on Education.