DES MOINES, Iowa – A bill requiring Iowa’s regent universities and community colleges to require proof of citizenship or legal status before classifying a student a resident qualifying for in-state tuition passed out of an Iowa House subcommittee on Monday.
HF 2128, sponsored by State Rep. Steve Holt, R-Denison, states that the Iowa Board of Regents and Board of Directors of Iowa’s Community Colleges must adopt rules prohibit schools “from classifying a student as a resident of this state for purposes of tuition and fees unless the student provides proof of United States citizenship or proof that the individual is lawfully present in the United States.”
A subcommittee comprised of State Reps. Taylor Collins, R-Mediapolis, Skyler Wheeler, R-Hull, and Sami Scheetz, D-Cedar Rapids, advanced the bill, with Scheetz opposing.
“This is a very simple issue – if you come to this country illegally, we are not going to subsidize your college education. Go to Sacramento – not Ames or Iowa City,” Collins said on X (formerly Twitter) following the subcommittee.
Would the bill prevent Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program participants qualifying for in-state tuition? The bill’s sponsor didn’t think so.
“I believe so because the federal government has recognized DACA people with legal status,” Holt told The Iowa Torch.
“They technically don’t have legal status but are deferred from prosecution and can apply for work authorization. Clear as mud,” he added.
Read the bill below:
HF2128
