On Wednesday, University of California President Janet Napolitano announced that she plans to allocate $5 million in university funds towards the education of UC students who entered the country illegally, and consequently do not qualify for financial aid. 

In her first major speech as UC President, Napolitano also announced plans to set aside an additional $10 million to fund graduate and postdoctoral research.
Immigration advocates had voiced concerns following the announcement that the former Homeland Security Secretary would become the new UC President, but this move shows that Napolitano intends to make bold changes within the university system according to what she deems necessary, rather than simply following precedents. 

“UC welcomes all students who qualify academically, whether they are documented or undocumented,” said Napolitano. “Consider this a down payment — one more piece of evidence of our commitment to all Californians.”

Napolitano  went on to explain that the $5 million would be used to offer financial aid, advising, and student service centers to undocumented students.

Since her appointment in July, Napolitano has been working to the small, but vocal advocate groups across the UC campuses that despite her political background as the former governor of Arizona, she would be fair and supportive of all the university’s students—regardless of immigration status.  

The University of California estimates that about 900 of its 239,000 students are entered the country illegally. 

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