Mass. immigrant tuition bill to get new push

By RUSSELL CONTRERAS
Associated Press Writer
Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009 - 8:25 am

CHELSEA, Mass. -- Immigrant advocates are getting ready to push Massachusetts lawmakers to pass legislation that would allow undocumented immigrants to pay in-state tuition at state colleges.

Lawmakers are expected to revisit the issue three years after House lawmakers soundly rejected a similar bill.

But this time activists say they have cultivated a broader coalition of supporters that includes union members, business leaders, academics and even undocumented students.

Ten other states, some dominated by conservative lawmakers, have similar legislation, and advocates see no reason why Massachusetts, a state controlled by Democrats, can't do the same.

Some lawmakers, like Democratic Rep. Demetrius Atsalis, of Barnstable, say they still oppose the measure.

http://www.sacbee.com/state_wire/story/2326997.html