- Senate Bill 1633 would repeal a law allowing some undocumented students to qualify for in-state tuition and financial aid
- The Oklahoma Senate passed the bill on March 10, and it has since moved to the House
- If approved, the repeal could make college unaffordable for many undocumented students in Oklahoma
The Oklahoma Senate passed Senate Bill 1633 on March 10, a measure that aims to repeal Section 3242, a statute in Oklahoma law that allows certain undocumented students to pay in-state college tuition and qualify for financial aid and scholarships.
The bill has since moved to the Oklahoma House for consideration. As of late March, it has not yet been assigned to a House committee.
Section 3242 applies to students who graduated from Oklahoma high schools and meet specific requirements, allowing them to access in-state tuition rates despite their immigration status.
The legislation follows a federal court ruling that has found Oklahoma’s existing tuition policy unconstitutional.
Fernando Nuñez, a staff attorney for the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund, said efforts are underway to challenge the repeal in court.
“MALDEF and the group of students we represent have asked the court to join that case so that we can defend Section 3242 and the corresponding regulation,” Nuñez said.
The cost of higher education can already be a hurdle for students like the clients Nuñez represents, who often do not qualify for the same types of financial aid available to U.S. citizens. For some, if the repeal of Section 3242 stands, college may become out of reach.
“We’ve already seen some of our clients decide not to pursue their education,” Nuñez said. “Some have said they won’t return until their tuition rates are reinstated. If that never happens, they likely will not go back to finish their programs.”
Sen. Michael Brooks, who voted against the bill, said allowing undocumented students who attended Oklahoma high schools to pay in-state tuition is a small price to pay to increase the number of college-educated professionals in the state.
Sen. Julia Kirt, who also voted against the bill, said she is “disturbed” by the legislation and that instead of addressing the cost of higher education, it removes opportunities for students.
The Independent View reached out to the offices of Sens. Brenda Stanley, Warren Hamilton and Shane Jett, all of whom voted in favor of the bill. None responded to requests for comment. Representative Cody Maynard, who is listed as the principal House author, also did not respond by the time of publication. Hamilton is listed as an author of the bill.
If approved by the House and signed into law, the repeal would eliminate in-state tuition and financial aid eligibility for undocumented students in Oklahoma.
