President Obama announced a plan on Thursday, 20 Novermber 2014 to extend limited legal status to five million of the nation’s 11.4 million immigrants residing in the US illegally. Most of the recipients are parents with children who are US citizens, legal permanent residents with a record free from serious crimes, and “Dreamers”, or people who were brought to the US illegally as children.  

What does this mean for higher education in the US?

• These immigrants can apply for in-state tuition and state scholarships but are still ineligible for federal student aid.
• Eligibility for driver’s licenses, Social Security cards, and work authorisation all contribute to students being able to work both during the school year and in the summer, making college more affordable.
• Originally, there were age limits for Dreamers to apply for deferred deportation.  These age limits have been lifted, and individuals can obtain deferred action by enrolling in college. An increase in community college enrolment is expected.
• Some states only grant reduced tuition and scholarships to in-state high school graduates, which still limit access.
• On-the-job STEM training for study abroad students, known as Optional Practical Training, is aimed to encourage these students to stay in the US after program completion  and create businesses/industries.

To view The Chonricle of Higher Education's article on this development, please check the link below