Md. House OKs in-state tuition despite immigration status
Associated Press

Posted Monday, March 26, 2007 at 9:59 pm


ANNAPOLIS -- After an emotional debate, the Maryland House voted today to allow some illegal immigrants to qualify for in-state tuition.

The House voted 81-57 to change the rules for in-state tuition so that Maryland residents can qualify regardless of immigration status. Supporters said the bill is needed to help make college more affordable for the children of immigrants.

''They're young, hardworking people,'' said House Democratic Leader Kumar Barve.

Opponents argued that the bill gives a benefit to people who are breaking the law.

''It is an issue of citizenship and the rule of law,'' said Republican Delegate Pat McDonough.

After an emotional debate that included some veiled personal attacks, the House approved the bill. It now heads to the Senate.

Maryland lawmakers approved a similar bill in 2003, but it was vetoed by former Republican Gov. Robert Ehrlich. If enacted, Maryland would join states such as California, Illinois and New York in extending in-state tuition to residents regardless of citizenship status.

A state analysis projected that the change could cost Maryland about $1.1 million a year by 2012. To qualify for in-state tuition, nonresident students would have to have graduated from a Maryland high school and apply to college within five years of finishing high school.



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