ARIZONA SUPERIOR COURT GRANTS MALDEF MOTION TO INTERVENE ON BEHALF OF DACA STUDENTS IN HIGHER EDUCATION CASE

"The state court considering an unusual case in which Arizona is suing one of its own community college districts for recognizing that Arizonans should be treated equally, has granted MALDEF's motion to intervene to represent Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students attending the Maricopa County College District (MCCD). On Friday, the Maricopa County Superior Court held a status conference regarding the dispute with the State of Arizona. Arizona seeks to prevent DACA students from presenting federal employment authorization documents ("EADs") as proof of eligibility for in-state tuition at MCCD, though MCCD has accepted this federal form for many years.

"This case is nothing short of intergovernmental bullying, with Arizona representing no one's best interests," stated Thomas A. Saenz, MALDEF President and General Counsel. "By permitting intervention, the Court has recognized that students should be heard as Arizona targets and seeks to punish a local public college simply for providing equal educational opportunity."

In late March, the Maricopa County Superior Court granted MALDEF's motion to intervene on behalf of DACA students. The Court agreed with the applicants-two students attending MCCD-that they should be allowed to protect their right to in-state tuition by participating as Parties in the court case." - MALDEF, Apr. 7, 2014.