1. A. The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education shall adopt a policy which allows a student to enroll in an institution within The Oklahoma State System of Higher Education and allows a student to be eligible for resident tuition if the student:

   1. 1. Graduated from a public or private high school in this state or successfully completed the General Educational Development test in this state; and

   2. 2. Resided in this state with a parent or guardian for at least two (2) years prior to:

      1. a. graduation from high school, or
      2. b. successful completion of the General Educational Development test.

2. B. To be eligible for the provisions of subsection A of this section, an eligible student shall:

   1. 1. Satisfy admission standards as determined by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education for the appropriate type of institution and have secured admission to, and enrolled in, an institution within The Oklahoma State System of Higher Education; and

   2. 2. If the student is without lawful immigration status:

      1. a. file an affidavit with the institution stating that the student has filed an application or has a petition pending with the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services to legalize the student’s immigration status, or
      2. b. file an affidavit with the institution stating that the student will file an application to legalize his or her immigration status at the earliest opportunity the student is eligible to do so. High school counselors shall inform immigrant students that they should apply for legal status as soon as possible to enhance their opportunity for higher education in Oklahoma.
3. C. Any student who meets the criteria prescribed in subsections A and B of this section shall not be disqualified on the basis of the student’s immigration status from any scholarships or financial aid provided by this state.

Laws 2003, SB 596, c. 210, § 1.