State bans illegals from community colleges
Dumps policy that granted taxpayer-subsidized tuition for degree programs

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Posted: May 15, 2008
12:00 am Eastern


By Wanda Sanchez
© 2008 WorldNetDaily




In a decision that could have national impact, North Carolina officials announced the state will stop enrolling illegal aliens in degree programs at its community colleges.

The move Tuesday reverses a policy enacted in November that admitted illegal aliens paying in-state tuition rates, subsidized by taxpayers.

In December, the community college system sought clarification on the new policy from state Attorney General Roy Cooper. Last week, Cooper’s office cited a federal law that bans illegal immigrants from receiving state benefits, including a higher education.

The attorney general's office said restricting admission of illegal immigrants "would more than likely withstand judicial scrutiny."

Scott Ralls, who recently became president of the state's community college system, said, “We went to the attorney general requesting clarification of the present policy, and we’ll abide by their advice."

Ralls, however, said he will continue to seek clarification, and another policy change is possible.

Illegal aliens will still be allowed to enroll in non-degree programs such as general equivalency classes and English as a second language. Illegals already in the program will be allowed to continue.

Supporters of stronger immigration enforcement applauded the move. Raleigh-based Americans for Legal Immigration PACsaid the decision could have national impact.

"Many states are allowing illegal aliens to attend their colleges at full price and a few are even forcing taxpayers to foot the bill with in-state tuition," said group president William Gheen. "Other states are going to notice North Carolina's precedent and move to follow our lead."

Gheen told WND that North Carolina now has the strictest policy in the country regarding illegal immigrants and state higher education.

Tony Asion, executive director of El Pueblo, an immigrant advocacy group based in North Carolina, told WND he hopes the state will reverse the decision after receiving clarification from the Department of Homeland Security.

"We are deeply disappointed in the decision to bar undocumented students from the North Carolina community college system," Asion said. "It makes no sense and is unfair to students. To bar them from getting an education when they are paying out-of-state tuition and not costing the system anything is not a prudent choice."

The decision, Asion added, "benefits no one, and will ultimately harm the people of North Carolina."

Community college officials say only 112 of 297,000 degree-seeking students are illegal aliens.


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