Thread: NC: N&O wants IAs in college: Smart on Students

Smart on students

Editorial: Published: Jul 29, 2008 12:30 AM Modified: Jul 29, 2008

A reversal by the state attorney general offers a chance for community colleges to open their doors -- to all

With a finding by the office of state Attorney General Roy Cooper that there is no law barring the enrollment of illegal immigrants in state community colleges, those colleges can now do not just the right thing, but the smart thing. The opinion from the AG reverses an earlier stance. Basically, the attorney general received guidance from federal immigration officials to the effect that states can do what they want to do on the issue.

The community college system's board will take up the issue next month. Its decision should be based on common sense and a careful assessment of what approach is best for North Carolina as a whole -- i.e., a welcoming admissions policy.

Many of those without proper immigration authorization who seek to enroll in community colleges -- and the number is far from overwhelming -- are here because they were brought to this country by their families. The decision to illegally enter the country or to overstay a visa was not theirs. In seeking education at the colleges, and paying their way, they are trying to improve their job skills and their lives. That would also benefit a state that is looking to increase its supply of educated workers.

The University of North Carolina system allows illegal immigrants to study, and they pay out-of-state tuition rates, which are much higher than in-state. There are fewer than 30 such students in the university system.

No one would claim this is a simple issue. The people involved are indeed in the country without permission. Some politicians would like to use that fact, and that alone, as a reason to deny them higher education -- even though many are from families who have been here for years, and who have worked for North Carolina businesses that depend on them.

That's one of the contradictions in immigration policy. There's another contradiction: while certainly there are laws on the books setting requirements for residence in this country, the federal government has been unable or unwilling to enforce those laws in an even-handed fashion, or, as the numbers of illegal immigrants have grown into the many millions, to find ways to allow more of them to attain legal status.

At this point, contrary to what some public officeholders would have people believe, it's simply unrealistic to think that 12-14 million immigrants thought to be in the country illegally could be deported en masse.

Facing that reality against political pressure is something that education officials ought to do, in the best interest of the state. Students who happen to be illegal immigrants and want to enroll in community colleges would not be stealing positions from anybody. They would not be creating a burden on the system. They would be seeking to gain skills, well-taught, that could serve them well wherever they chose to live -- and that might be the United States, should a coherent and reasonable immigration policy be adopted one day.

Cooper's office is due credit for following up on its earlier decision, and for coming forth with this one. Opposing the enrollment of illegal immigrants as students may be the easy thing to do for those in political office. But it doesn't help anybody, and does damage to some, many of whom have done nothing to deserve it. Let us hope that those who guide the community college system understand that, and act upon it.
http://www.newsobserver.com/opinion/edi ... 57457.html

How are they expected to get jobs using valid ID if amnesty isn't handed to them?

It is not unrealistic to deport enmass . Just costly . Self deportation is starting to work and the pressure needs to be kept up . Vote out everyone and start over fresh .