Students on the University of Arizona campus protest President Trump's announcement in September 2017 that the DACA program would be phased out.
The Arizona Supreme Court has ruled unanimously against the Maricopa Community College District Board over whether Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients can receive in-state tuition in Arizona.
In a decision order posted on the attorney general's website, the court agreed with a 2017 appeals court decision saying "existing federal and state law do not allow MCCCD to grant in-state tuition benefits to DACA recipients."
The high court heard arguments last week in the case affecting recipients of the 2012 program.
Many people covered by the DACA program, known as "Dreamers," have said they'll have to drop out of school without the lower tuition.
University of Arizona President Robert Robbins said in a statement the university will comply with the ruling.
"I am disappointed that our DACA students will no longer qualify for the tuition rate that their resident classmates pay," he said. "In conjunction with the Arizona Board of Regents, we will comply with the ruling and support our DACA students to continue their education at the UA. At the same time, we continue to encourage Congress to create a legislative solution that provides certainty for all DACA students in achieving their educational potential."
BREAKING: AZ Supreme Court rules unanimously (7-0) in favor of State in MCCCD in-state tuition case. Full written opinion expected by May 14, 2018.
— Mark Brnovich (@GeneralBrnovich) April 9, 2018
The Associated Press contributed reporting to this story.
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