The University of Richmond treasures the holistic development of students and its commitment to fostering a diverse community of students who are prepared to have a responsible leadership in a diverse world. Part of the university’s effort of cultivating global leaders is the university’s mission for inclusivity and equity. In order to fulfill that mission, however, the University of Richmond needs to implement changes to its admissions policy concerning undocumented students. In order to have an inclusive community, it’s essential to promote the intellectual growth of the many undocumented youths that reside in the U.S, youth who are critical to the creation of an inclusive community at the university.

Removing barriers to higher education will be paramount to ensuring that the highest number of undocumented young people qualify for any future immigration reform. As a liberal institution of higher learning, the University of Richmond needs to change its partisan process of admissions in regards to undocumented students. Instead of the “need-aware” process, which places students at a financial disadvantage, undocumented students should undergo the same “need-blind” process as domestic students, as they reside in the U.S. This ensures they are part of the “need-blind” spectrum in which their financial capacity doesn’t determine their access to education and they are eligible for full financial aid coverage.