In-state tuition for undocumented students boosts Kansas universities and the economy | Opinion

As a therapist, I know that every client has unique lived experiences, and therefore unique needs. The goals may be the same — to find resolution of past wounds and lead healthier lives — but how we get there is always different. Some people may have chronic mental illnesses and need crisis stabilization, and others need occasional support for everyday challenges. Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all, but rather a careful consideration of different biological, psychological, and social factors to create an effective treatment plan.

These are skills I bring into the therapy office from my professional experiences and seven and a half years of study across different Kansas universities: the University of Saint Mary, Johnson County Community College, and Emporia State University. I love what I do and am proud of who I’ve become.

But I want you to know that I would not be an art therapist and clinical counselor today if the state had denied me in-state tuition based on my immigration status. I came to the United States legally, but by the time I became a high school student, I had overstayed my visa — like the majority of people in the U.S. who are undocumented. My parents didn’t have much money, so I needed to stay close to college. The University of Missouri-Kansas City was my first choice, as it offers in-state tuition for students in the metropolitan area. However because Missouri denies undocumented students in-state tuition and requires them to enroll as international students, it was not feasible.

Fortunately, Kansas does have a fair and practical law in place for students, so I was able to fulfill my dream. Just as crucially, upon graduation, and with my immigration status resolved, I was able to join the workforce and meet Kansas’ urgent needs for mental health care.

But last week, the Federal and State Affairs Committee in the Kansas Legislature held a mockery of a hearing on Senate Bill 254, which seeks to deny undocumented high school students in-state tuition. And as if this were not outrageous enough, chairman Mike Thompson allowed a total of 22 minutes for Attorney General Kris Kobach — the bill’s only proponent — to speak in favor of the bill and answer questions, but the 24 opponents who signed up in advance to give oral testimony were given only 12 minutes to speak collectively. I was not allowed to speak, even though I followed all procedures for submission in a timely manner.

My testimonial is solid proof that this bill will hurt our already struggling universities and students, and our larger economy. My alma mater Emporia State is one school that recently made drastic budget cuts because it’s struggling to meet enrollment. So how is it common sense to undermine school enrollment? Or to rob students of becoming higher income earners with more spending power than those who don’t hold a degree?

And remember how I said I originally wanted to go to UMKC? Because of these contrasting state educational policies, Kansas retained approximately $216,000 in private scholarship money and tuition payments from my education alone.

Please join me in advocating for a better future for our students, our economy and our universities. Please defend democratic processes that let Kansans’ voices be heard, and please contact your legislators to oppose S.B. 254.