Governor Phil Murphy in New Jersey
(Photo : Reuters)

Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey signed legislation that allows the children of H1B Visa holders to qualify for the in-state tuition fees in higher education for state universities and colleges. 

What is H1B Visa?

According to Path2USA, an H1B visa is an employment-based and a non-immigrant visa for those who are seeking temporary jobs in the United States. The employer must offer a job to their employee and they will eventually apply for an H1B Visa. Typically, the application for this visa has a duration of up to six years. 

Moreover, the employer can only apply for this type of visa if the worker is a graduate-level with specialties or skills in accounting, architecture, IT, engineering, finance, mathematics, medicine, science, and more. Applying also for a non-immigrant visa such as this is quicker compared to applying for a Green Card.

In-State Tuition Fee

Governor Phil Murphy said in a statement through the official website of the state that people living in New Jersey deserve to have equal access to higher education and by signing the legislation that allows the children of H1B visa holders, they are making another step to make their children's dreams possible. He also added that "I'm proud to sign the legislation to help our students achieve their education goals, pursue a successful future, and live their dreams here in their home state."

Students, whose parents or guardians are H1B holders, can avail the in-state tuition fee in the higher education if they qualify on the following:

  • A graduating student from a New Jersey High School
  • Or have attended a New Jersey high school for at least three years

Meanwhile, U.S. employers are using the H1B programs to temporarily employ a foreign individual who has a specialty in a certain filed. According to Hindustantimes, this has been the practice of U.S. employers for nearly 30 years.

California, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, and Texas are only a few of the top 10 destinations of H1B holders in the country. 

Education officials in New Jersey expect that with the approval of Gov. Murphy to allow children of H1B holders avail the in-state tuition fees in higher education, as long as they qualify, will help increase the number of students in the higher education institutions in the state. 

The sponsors of the said legislation include Indian-America Senator Vin Gopal, Daniel Benson, M. Teresa Ruiz, Raj Mukherji, and Robert Karabinchak. Gopal said that denying the children access and opportunity to have an affordable higher education means shutting the door on a whole new generation of brilliance and talents. 

The legislation that they sponsored came after the state revealed in its economic plans that prioritize education and training for the residents in the state who are seeking for jobs and access to high-quality career. 

Deepak Raj of New Jersey's Investment Council said that people around the world came to the United States not only to look for a greener pasture but also to look for a quality education for their children and with the help of this bill they are ensuring their younger generation to have the resources they need to achieve their dreams.