Virginia Beach, Va.—Virginia Organizing commended Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring after today’s opinion was released by the Attorney General’s office that directs universities to allow in-state tuition rates for students granted consideration under the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).

 

“This is a big step in the right direction,” said Linda Peña, a DACA student attending Tidewater Community College and a Virginia Organizing South Hampton Roads Chapter leader. “Virginia students who were educated here are now going to have an opportunity to attend some of the best universities in the country.”

 

Virginia Organizing leaders are working to support comprehensive immigration reform with a path to citizenship at the national level and have been working with colleges and universities to encourage in-state tuition offerings for undocumented students.

 

“This is a huge victory for students across the state,” said Virginia Organizing Chairperson Sandra A. Cook. “Virginia has invested in DACA students for years and now we are doing the right thing to provide an opportunity to educate these students in Virginia’s fine institutions. This is our chance to retain that talent in the Commonwealth.”

 

Peña explained that she currently pays the out-of-state tuition rate and receives no federal financial aid, even though she’s lived in Virginia Beach for more than 10 years.

 

“I want to personally thank the Attorney General for his leadership on this issue,” said Peña. “This directive is going to mean so much for so many promising students in Virginia.”

 

To interview a spokesperson for Virginia Organizing or students who are directly affected by the Attorney General’s opinion, please contact Amanda Pohl at 804-337-1912 or amanda@virginia-organizing.org.