Jeff, currently it’s just proof of residency that proves you qualify for “in-state” tuition. If you are here “illegally” you don’t have proof of residency.
The logic here is that it’s not the kids’ fault that their parents do not have “legal” status. Thus as the child finishes school in NC (4-years minimum) they should therefore qualify for residency status and be allowed the discount rate for UNC system schools.
But if you’re in a UNC school for two years and are from Virginia, you still don’t qualify for “in-state” tuition regardless of your citizenship.
Logistical problems abound in the entire UNC system with respect to this issue. What about children who move to live with grandparents to graduate in NC (not popular, but it happens).
Trivial data: NC is now 8th most populated state with undocumented workers (illegals). The real confusion for me is, how do we know this if we can’t find them???
