The behind the "One State, One Rate" campaign say those who have lived in North Carolina long enough to qualify as residents should not be penalized.
"For this year alone, tuition is over $28,000," undocumented student Emilio Vicente said. "Most of us can't afford to pay $28,000 out of pocket.
Vicente said he received a private scholarship to attend UNC.
So did Pia Rodriguez, who came to the U.S. with her parents when she was 8-years-old. She said she knows critics believe people like her should get in line for legal status.
The line is 10, 12 years for people who are struggling to survive in their country," Rodriguez said. "That is not a line that they can wait for. I'm an American! And a nine digit number is not going to change that."
She started to tear up when talking about her desire to see her sister attend the school without a penalty.
Meanwhile, organizers have said they are willing to discuss the policy with people opposed to granting benefits to undocumented people.
See It On TV | Report A Typo |
Send Tip |
Get Alerts | Send us photos
Follow @abc11 on Twitter | Become a fan on Facebook
