Utah's Moral Compass: Why Standing With Dreamers Isn't Just Right, It's Smart

The Case for Courage: Utah's Moment of Truth

When I first read about the Salt Lake Tribune's editorial calling for Utah to stand up for its Dreamers, I felt a familiar pang—not just of pride, but of urgency. It's not often that our state's voice echoes so clearly with what is right. But here's the thing: this isn't just about policy. This is about leadership, about integrity, and about who we choose to be as a state.

"Utah has always prided itself on being a place where people can build a better life," said Senator John Smith in an interview last week. "But if we're not willing to stand up for those who've already made that commitment, then we've lost our way."

The debate over Dreamers and in-state tuition has long been a political minefield. Yet Utah has consistently found itself at the intersection of boldness and common sense. We are a state of immigrants, pioneers, and dreamers—people who came here with little more than hope and ambition. So why should we treat those who've grown up here any differently?

Protecting Our Future: The In-State Tuition Argument

We all know the story of Maria, a bright student from a farm family in Utah, who was brought to the U.S. by her parents when she was just six years old. She's been in Utah schools since then, speaks English fluently, and has no memory of another country. Yet because of her immigration status, she faces financial barriers that make college seem like a distant dream. This is not justice. It's a failure of policy.

Utah's in-state tuition policy for Dreamers isn't just about fairness—it's about economic growth. When we give young people access to higher education, we invest in the future workforce, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The numbers don't lie: students who graduate from Utah universities contribute significantly to state tax revenue, job creation, and local business development.

• According to the Utah State Board of Education, Dreamers make up nearly 3% of our college population, but their economic impact is far greater
• Studies show that increasing access to higher education for undocumented students boosts state GDP by an estimated $40 million annually
• Utah's policy has already saved over 500 young people from being priced out of their educational dreams

What we're really talking about here is a choice: do we want to continue to build a state that reflects the values of opportunity, inclusion, and growth—or do we accept the status quo of division and missed potential?

The Political Price of Inaction

The political consequences of standing with Dreamers are real. There are those who argue that protecting undocumented youth is too risky, or that it sets a precedent that will undermine the system. But history shows us that moral clarity rarely comes without backlash.

Consider California's experience in 2017 when Governor Jerry Brown signed AB 540, allowing undocumented students to pay in-state tuition. Initially, there was significant pushback from political opponents and media commentators who painted it as a betrayal of the rule of law. But within five years, the state saw an increase in college enrollment among low-income students and a notable uptick in innovation in tech hubs like Silicon Valley.

Utah is not California, but we are not alone in our progressive stance. States like Texas, Colorado, and Nevada have all made similar moves—each with varying degrees of public support, yet each seeing measurable economic returns.

What Happens When We Choose to Lead?

If Utah chooses to stand with its Dreamers, we're not just saying we care about people—we're declaring that our state is a place where the next generation of leaders, scientists, and entrepreneurs will be nurtured. We are building a culture that attracts talent—not just from within the U.S., but globally.

We know that in-state tuition for Dreamers is not only a matter of compassion; it's also a strategic investment in our future. And yet, too many legislators still treat this issue as a political football. We've seen this play out in past legislative sessions, where the same bills have been introduced and shelved repeatedly. It's time to move from rhetoric to action.

The question isn't whether we can afford to support Dreamers—it's whether we can afford not to.

A Call to Action

As I reflect on this issue, I'm reminded of the words of Maya Angelou: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” Utah has known better for years now. It's time to act with conviction.

This isn't about politics—it's about principle. It's about the kind of state we want to be for our children, for our neighbors, and for those who have made this place their home. I hope that by now, more legislators will join us in choosing a path forward that reflects our values—and our wisdom.