Undocumented Immigrants and Higher Education Policy: The Policymaking Environment of New York State

Abstract

This research presents findings of the policymaking environment in the area of postsecondary education benefits for undocumented immigrants in New York. In addition to describing the response to ever-changing federal, state, and local actions, this investigation also identifies five political forces (power of the governor, pressure of advocacy groups, role of Latino policymakers, legislators’ geographic affiliations, and legislators’ political party membership) that shaped the passage of New York’s in-state resident tuition policy. Last, it discusses the possible future of postsecondary education benefits for the state’s undocumented immigrants.