<P> The DREAM Act was introduced in 2001 and aims to give more access to higher education for undocumented immigrants by repealing the law 1996 law . It also aimed to set up pathways for students who obtain higher education to become legal residents . The act has been introduced in many states and many different times, but has still not been passed . Critics of the act argue that it encourages more undocumented immigration, that schools will engage in grade inflation so that border - line students can take advantage of the act, and that a financial burden could be placed on taxpayers . Proponents argue the opposite, emphasizing that giving the undocumented immigrants an opportunity at higher education means they will be more self - sufficient in the future, contributing more to taxes and relying less on state resources . They also claim that children should not be punished for the actions of their parents and that giving them this opportunity would encourage them to be contributing and law - abiding citizens . Whether this act would have positive effects on undocumented immigrants attending college is still hard to see since not many states have actually done it and the time span has not been enough for thorough research . </P> <P> The 2010 UNLV study recommends key policy changes to support undocumented immigrants access to higher education . </P> <P> In general, practitioners need to weigh opportunities against constraints and consider the potential opportunities to promote social justice, equality, and equity in higher education access . Rather than considering undocumented students as "illegals" and restricting their access to legitimate educational pathways, it is recommended that, at the very least, those in positions of power adopt an outlaw cultural framework to support the strengths inherent within diversity as well as pursue avenues of social justice for undocumented students who are seeking to access higher education to improve their future and secure permanent membership in U.S. society . </P> <P> A slightly lower percentage of college - age Americans from rural areas go to college: in 2015, 67% from suburban high schools, 62% from urban high schools, and 59% from rural high schools . The difference is even larger for higher - income schools (73% suburban, 72% urban, 61% rural). </P>

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