Marchers seek N.J. Assembly support on in-state tuition rate for immigrants’ kids

Some students who are the children of undocumented immigrants are participating in a nine-day walk in New Jersey to push for passage of the Dream Act.

The students are urging the Assembly to go along with the measure the Senate approved this week that would allow unauthorized immigrants who grew up in the Garden State and graduated from high school to pay lower in-state tuition rates to attend a New Jersey college.

Lindenwold resident Fabiola Hernandez, 22, came to the U.S. from Mexico with her parents when she was 14. She’s a single mother and has had to work two jobs to save money for college.

“There are many others like me who suffer from financial hardship. We need the support of our government for in-state tuition and financial aid to make our dreams a reality,” she said. “We only want to be ensured a better life and a better future through education.”

Opponents say there are not enough slots available at colleges and universities for students whose parents pay taxes and have lived in the state their entire lives.

The Assembly passed a similar bill, but its version does not include a provision allowing undocumented students to receive financial aid.