DREAMers: Murray Statement on Real Hope Act Signing

If Murray bill passes Congress, Washington would automatically qualify for millions in additional federal education funding

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) released the following statement as Governor Inslee is set to sign the Real Hope Act into law, which allows access to state-based financial aid for college students who were brought to the U.S. as children.

“All qualified students should have the same opportunities to get a college degree, including DREAMers, and I am so proud that Washington state continues to lead on this critical issue.   Undocumented students are no different than their classmates. They grow up in the same towns, attend the same schools, and share the same dreams – and they deserve an equal chance to go to college and start successful careers in this country. 

“Supporting undocumented students in our state is an important start, but as Americans, we can’t stop there.  That’s why last month, I introduced a bill that would provide incentives for other states to get on board with what we’re doing in Washington and offer in-state tuition and need-based federal financial aid for DREAMers.”   

If passed, Senator Murray’s legislation would provide $750 million to states that provide in-state tuition or financial aid to undocumented students. Washington state, which now provides both, would automatically qualify for increased federal higher education funding. See more on Senator Murray’s Investing IN States To Achieve Tuition Equity (IN-STATE) for Dreamers Act of 2014.

The IN-STATE for Dreamers Act establishes the American Dream Grant program, which encourages states to increase access to higher education for low-income students, regardless of immigration status. This program would provide $750 million in need-based student financial aid to states that set equitable in-state tuition rates or offer state financial aid to the thousands of DREAMers who graduate from American high schools each year.