Thread: College costs have become an immigration issue

http://newsnet.byu.edu/story.cfm/60026
BYU NewsNet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
College costs have become an immigration issue
By Lindsay Lansing
8 Jun 2006


While every child in the United States is eligible for free primary and secondary education, issues arise when illegal immigrants are required to pay out-of state tuition to attend colleges and universities and are prohibited from taking out loans and grants.

"We have to keep the door open for these students," said Teresa Martinez, assistant director of Outreach at the University of Utah. "If we close the door, you give them little hope for the future; what can a child look forward to out of high school?"

Of the 11 million illegal immigrants in the United States, one in five are children.

Utah Senator Orrin Hatch said he believes these children find themselves caught in a catch-22 situation. He said illegal immigrants cannot work legally and are also limited from developing academically beyond high school because of the high cost of pursuing education.

Each year, about 65,000 undocumented students graduate from high school in the United States. While these students have the right to attend college, they are required by law to pay out-of-state tuition. In many cases, it can be five to six more times expensive.

For example, the University of California costs $24,589 per year for out-of-state tuition, compared to in-state tuition of $6,769. Illegal immigrants also are prohibited from taking out loans and grants, which could help them pursue their educational endeavors.

Hatch believes illegal immigrants should be granted equal rights in their ability to pay in-state tuition, but there are many who disagree with that idea.

Utah House of Representatives member Greg Hughes believes the undocumented students should not receive governmental assistance in furthering their education. He compared the situation to waiting in line to see a movie like "Mission Impossible 3."

"You get there early that night and wait in a mile-long line for tickets, and people cut in line in front of you and they get a seat. They took your spot, and you are left outside. That's the issue we're talking about here," Hughes said.

In September 2003, Hatch proposed the DREAM (development, relief and education for alien minor) Act in Congress. This bill sought to help undocumented students temporarily adjust their legal status to receive in-state college or university tuition, and it would provide them the opportunity to obtain permanent legal residency.

Millions of foreigners from all over the world come to the United States and receive work visas to bring their families to the United States. They obey the laws of the land, and conform to the rules set by the government. However, if they applied for in-state tuition, they would be denied.

"How could someone who comes here and follows every law and their kids attend high school be precluded from receiving in-state-tuition when illegal immigrants can receive it," said Hughes. "It's a double standard. You've got to be consistent."

While the DREAM Act has not been passed on a Federal level, nine states have passed this act (HB141) on a state level. These states include Texas, California, Utah, Washington, New York, Oklahoma, Illinois, Kansas, and New Mexico.

Congressman Chris Cannon supported the bill in Utah and helped it pass. In order to become eligible for this provision, the undocumented immigrants must meet certain requirements. They must enter the U.S. before the age of 16, reside in the U.S. for at least 5 years, graduate from an American high school and demonstrate good moral character (no track record of crime of misconduct).

Marilyn Bigney, a member of the Advisory Committee for Cannon, supports the DREAM Act and said she believes if undocumented students make it all the way to high school graduation and show they are smart enough for college, they should receive governmental assistance.

"If they get that far, OK, give them the support. Anyone who pushes that far to graduate I say 'yes' and then let them pay in-state tuition," Bigney said.

The University of Utah is a firm supporter of HB141 and is actively involved in a coalition to recruit more undocumented students to their university.

"We believe that all Utah children deserve a right to higher education," Martinez said. "Everyone here at the University is in full support of this. We are actively trying to give legislators this same vision. We believe that the government needs to step up and do the right thing."

Within the state of Utah, there have been 160 students who have taken advantage of the HB141.

"These students are like every other student," Martinez said. "The ones that I've seen have been dedicated and have been doing really well."

Martinez said while undocumented students are taking seats of other potential University of Utah students, there have been very few complaints.

"The out-of-state students complain," she said. "But these undocumented students aren't taking their spots because those out-of-state are ineligible anyway. These undocumented students are living in-state."

Within the state of Utah, there have been many efforts to eliminate governmental favors to undocumented students.

House of Representative member Glen Donnelson sponsored a bill (HB7) that would have killed the DREAM Act on the state level.

Hughes said the reason HB7 was not passed was because there were too many issues out there grabbing people's attention.

"People don't want to address it because it's not an urgent issue," Hughes said. "It's not the most enjoyable bill. Lawmakers try to avoid it."

Even on a federal level, there has been difficulty in passing the DREAM Act. Millions of tax dollars would be required to fund the education of undocumented students. It could appear to be a reward for illegal behavior and encourage more uninvited foreigners into the United States.

"There are too many issues out there," Bigney said. "These bills are usually tacked onto another bill, and it wasn't up to the forefront of their attention, like border control. It's been shoved to the back because it only affects very few children."









Copyright ©2006 BYU NewsNet

That's right. Just give the illegals a better deal than the LEGAL residents. That's the idiots' version of "fairness."

Martinez said while undocumented students are taking seats of other potential University of Utah students, there have been very few complaints.

So as long as only a few complain then it is okay.

We have in-state tuition in Texas.

Also, there is a provision in Texas for all graduates of a Texas High School to get free college for 2 years at a community college of tech school - tuition and books.

This means that illegals can get a free two year or tech school education. Of course, it is available to Americans, I assume, but when will affirmative action step in and give seats to illegals over American kids???

I'm becoming irritated that we have so many so-called Americans that are so quick to give free rides to illegals......these "Americans" are part of the problem we have here.

I'm beginning to think many new citizens, aren't really working for the better of America and Americans....they are working for their own!

That is not what America is about!