The board of regents of the University of Michigan has approved in-state tuition for some illegal immigrants who live in Michigan. The policy change follows two years of intense lobbying by undocumented students and supporters.
Undocumented students will have to show they attended middle school and high school in Michigan to get the lower tuition rate. For the 2013-14 year, in-state tuition for a freshman undergraduate will be $13,142. The out-of-state tuition rate is $40,392.
Citalxochilt Ramirez-Lopez says now she can transfer from Washtenaw Community College to the University of Michigan.
"It's been my dream since I was little. I was raised in Ann Arbor (since I was four) and it's my home -- and I'm looking forward -- I don't even have words right now, I'm so excited," she said through tears.
The policy change also affects U.S. military veterans who apply and are accepted to the university. Regardless of where they live, they will qualify for the in-state tuition rate.
The new rate goes into effect in 2014.
