MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) – One of the bills awaiting Gov. Phil Scott’s signature this week aims to expand college opportunities for people regardless of their immigration status.
Students currently need a Social Security number to get help through the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation, but a bill approved by lawmakers would allow people to apply for financial aid without one.
At a Statehouse rally Thursday, advocates and lawmakers said the bill is an important piece of helping the state’s workforce and demographic issues. They also say without comprehensive immigration reform in Congress, the responsibility falls on states.
“If people could do that, we wouldn’t need this legislation. The reality is it takes years and is uncertain and takes tens of thousands of dollars for people to fix their migratory status,” said Rep. Lenora Dodge, D-Essex.
Twenty-four other states allow for noncitizens to receive financial aid. The governor last week signed a new law allowing people to seek professional licenses regardless of their immigration status.