Be fair with financial aid for students

The issue: A certain group of college students in Connecticut has been treated unfairly for years. They are required to pay into a pool for financial aid, but are barred from applying for that aid. The only difference with this group of students and others who are eligible for grants or work-study jobs is that they are undocumented.

Through no fault of their own, they were brought to this country illegally by their parents. They graduated from public high schools, were accepted into state colleges and universities with the same criteria as other students, and pay tuition and other expenses. They call themselves Dreamers.

This comes down to fairness: These students pay into the $150 million pool of financial aid, so they should be able to apply for that aid.

What we wrote: “Fairness is at the core of a bill that would allow undocumented students to be eligible for financial aid at the state’s public colleges and universities. It is time . ... The bill simply would allow equal access to institutional financial aid — such as tuition waivers, grants and student employment . ... It would not guarantee aid; the eligibility requirements would be the same for all students . ... What is happening

to Dreamers nationally is unfair; promises are broken.

“Connecticut can show its moral fiber by letting the Dreamers apply for the financial aid to which they contribute. Pragmatically, the state benefits from an educated workforce that will contribute a higher share of taxes.” — Editorial, Feb. 14, 2018

What happened: The state Senate voted 30-5 (with one absence) Wednesday in favor of SB-4, a bill that enables undocumented students to apply for financial aid at the state’s public colleges and universities. Given that the Senate is split evenly between Republicans and Democrats, the vote indicates broad bipartisan support.

“What this bill is about is the importance of giving an education,” Senate Republican Leader Len Fasano, a co-sponsor of the bill, said. “Education is an equalizer.”

It is important to note what the bill does not do: It does not guarantee financial aid.

The undocumented college students would have to meet appropriate criteria. They must have come to the United States before the age of 17 and be under the age of 36 by mid-June, and they must have attended a high school in Connecticut for at least two years. Those who served in the military and were honorably discharged also would be eligible to apply for financial aid.

In 2011 undocumented students were allowed to pay instate tuition, as every other Connecticut resident. Opening eligibility for financial aid does not hurt legal students as it actually will increase enrollment and therefore the number contributing to the pool.

What should happen next: The House must vote on the bill before the end of this session in three weeks. In 2015 and again in 2016, similar bills came through the Senate but languished in the House without a vote. This year can be — and should be — different.

Pragmatically, the state benefits from an educated workforce that will contribute a higher share of taxes.