Many young people live in the United States illegally because their parents brought them here when they were little. This country has been their home for nearly their entire lives, yet they are disadvantaged because of their immigration status. And when looking to attend U.S. colleges, these students are particularly hurt because they can’t receive federal financial aid — or, in some states, even attend certain schools.
Thankfully, some illegal immigrants have found a way to attend Penn. According to La Casa Latina, there are five such students in the freshman class.
When approached by The Daily Pennsylvanian, some administrators denied knowing that Penn is enrolling undocumented students. Regardless of prior knowledge, the administration shouldn’t make it any more difficult for these students to attend.
Illegal immigrants, like other Penn students, excelled in U.S. high schools. They deserve the same chance as other students to get a quality college education, and they shouldn’t worry that Penn will block their admission or try to deport them.
We, along with student groups and Penn President Amy Gutmann, have expressed support for Congressional legislation that would make it easier for illegal immigrants to attend college. Finding ways to bar these students from enrolling at Penn now would be out of line with this cause.
