In legal terms, there are two different types of immigrants: documented and undocumented. Many undocumented immigrants are students whose parents immigrated to the U.S. when they were younger. Once these undocumented students graduate from high school, they are unable to enter places of higher education.

To solve this problem, the DREAM Act was introduced into Congress in July of 2001, but never had the opportunity to come to a vote due to 2004 being an election year. Because there is no federal mandate, many states, such as California, Texas, Illinois, New York, Oklahoma, and Utah, are now considering similar legislation for their own individual state. In Missouri, Senate Bill 296 has been introduced by Senator Maida Coleman (D-5).  

Senate Bill 296 would offer in-state tuition to undocumented students who have attended at least two years of education in Missouri and who have graduated high school or the equivalent.

To speak in support of this bill, David Currey, Director Of International Student and Scholar Services at MU, spoke about the options, or lack thereof, that undocumented students receive from higher education institutions. Marie Gonzalez, a graduate from Helias High School in Jefferson City, gave a personal testimony about her family and her current situation. Marie graduated from high school as valedictorian and is unable to attend college due to her immigration status. Ketevan Mamieseishvii, a doctoral student at MU presented information and gave current statistics related to the issue of undocumented students and higher education.