Students Withdraw From Arizona Universities In Reaction To Immigration Law

In a letter to the school, University of Arizona President Robert Shelton said the college is feeling the effects of the state's new immigration law -- by losing students.

He wrote:

We have already begun to feel an impact from SB1070. The families of a number of out-of-state students (to date all of them honors students) have told us that they are changing their plans and will be sending their children to universities in other states. This should sadden anyone who cares about attracting the best and brightest students to Arizona.

Additionally, large numbers of UA students, faculty, staff and appointed professionals have expressed concerns that they or members of their families or their friends may now be subject to unwarranted detainment by police. Many of these individuals are from families that have been residents of Arizona for generations. While I am completely confident that no one need fear the way that UAPD will approach the application of this law, I nevertheless appreciate the anxiety that friends and colleagues are feeling. It is a concern and fear that no one should have to harbor.

An Arizona State University spokesman told Inside Higher Ed that the school has gotten "several phone calls of applicants saying they won't come now."

And according to the Chronicle of Higher Education, Maricopa Community College Chancellor Rufus Glasper thinks the new law will inhibit some students from enrolling in college in the first place:

"...The many Latino citizens and lawful immigrants who attend college now face the offensive and discriminatory prospect of incessant demands to show their documents," he said. "We can expect that some will find this prospect discouraging and will discontinue their pursuit of education and training as well."

Arizona students: What are your plans and thoughts?