RALEIGH, N.C. – This year, hundreds of North Carolina students will graduate high school but won’t be able to attend college because they’re undocumented immigrants.
On Thursday, a group of students told lawmakers they want to do better and are asking the State of North Carolina for help.
Students and members of the group “Let’s Learn N.C.” went door-to-door in the legislative building, telling lawmakers about their cause.
If you don’t have a Social Security number then you can’t apply for state or federal financial aid. Undocumented students said it’s not fair.
Many have spent most, if not all, of their school years in North Carolina and said it’s disappointing to learn they can’t afford to finish their education.
“You feel like you didn’t do enough to be recognized. And to be given the opportunity to go off to the university that you want to,” said college student Maria Cortez-Perez.
There is a bill in the House that, if passed, would allow financial help for undocumented students who have attended classes for three or more consecutive years in North Carolina.
The bill has not gotten much traction from Republicans or Democrats, despite the fact it was sponsored by lawmakers from both parties.
