[dragonwriter]

> I concede it look like DACA has some time requirements most F-1 students would not satisfy (in addition to the entry age req)

Well, plus if you are in a legal status, you aren't eligible for DACA, plud DACA has been closed to new applicants, so literally no one can qualify for it newly now.

> Still a non insignificant amount came here on non-immigrant visas also (tourist visas).

So?

> In any event, there may be some meat for a class action by international students who may not want to pay the "full-fare" price they pay, given otherwise international students (on expired tourist visas) are eligible for state subsidy.

International students (including a very restricted set of undocumented ones) who are residents are eligible for a state subsidy; residency is, however, incompatible with certain immigration statuses that are nonetheless compatible with study, including F-1.

[mc32]

If I were an international student, that's the incongruence I would challenge right there: "residency is, however, incompatible with certain immigration statuses that are nonetheless compatible with study, including F-1."

I'd say give me the same benefits -or at least in-state tuition.

[dragonwriter]

> I'd say give me the same benefits -or at least in-state tuition.

So, you'd declare your intent to establish permanent residency in the State (and therefore the US)?

That sounds a lot like having immigration intent, which can be a basis for revoking your F-1 status.

Not being a resident is the deal you sign on for with F-1 status. If you'd rather take your chances immigrating illegally, spending three years attending California high school, and then trying to go to UC on in-state tuition as a deportable undocumented immigrant when you are qualified to instead get an F-1, well, sure, you can try. No sane person with the option is going to choose that, though. An F-1 with non-resident tuition is a much better deal.