American-born Student Should Not be Denied N.J. Tuition Grant Due to Mom's Immigration Status

A New Jersey policy that denies state financial aid to citizen students if their parents are undocumented is illegal, according to Juan Cartagena, President and General Counsel, LatinoJustice PRLDEF.

Cartagena told the New Jersey Senate Higher Education Committee that the policy is, “immoral and impracticable as it serves no legitimate purpose in the short-term.” The policy effectively makes a categorical distinction between otherwise eligible U.S. citizens.

“U.S. citizens in this state are being denied financial aid under these policies,” said Cartagena. “Treating some U.S. citizens less than others solely because of the immigration status of their parents raise questions about a fundamental aspect of our national character: the viability of birthright citizenship. “

LatinoJustice PRLDEF had previously sent a letter to the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority denouncing the illegal practice.

Read the entire testimony here.