Last April, University of Utah President Bernie Machen called for a change in residency requirements to allow undocumented immigrants to qualify for in-state tuition.

The U’s efforts to make paying for college easier for the economically disadvantaged found a friend in Rep. Chris Cannon last summer. Cannon proposed a federal bill allowing states to alter residency requirements to the benefit of undocumented immigrants.

The federal government decided states were responsible for regulating their own residency requirements, and this week the state House of Representatives answered Machen’s and Cannon’s call. The House passed the bill, meaning it’s now up to the state Senate to step up to the plate and pass the bill as well.

Many of those who would benefit from a change in residency requirements were brought to the U.S. by their parents.

Out-of-state tuition costs about three and a half times what in-state tuition costs and presents a considerable obstacle for many students, including children raised by undocumented immigrants.

Assessing the number of would-be college students who could benefit is difficult. Officials cannot count these students in public schools because asking a student about his or her nationality is illegal.

Even if the bill is successful, concrete change is years away.

Out-of-state tuition more accurately reflects the cost of a higher education, so the state subsidizes a student paying in- state tuition.

And while undocumented immigrants pay taxes, it is questionable whether a legislature which places a premium on educating native Utahns will agree to subsidize the cost of educating students not officially tied to the state.

Today is the last day for the Senate to act and pass this bill. Although the Legislature’s budget requires higher education to tighten its collective belt, the Legislature can do this one thing to improve the higher-ed situation in Utah.