June 26, 2009 11:03 am

Letter: Oppose tuition deal for illegal immigrants


To the editor:

While thousands of New Hampshire parents lay awake at night unsure if they are able to afford their children's college education, our federal government is looking for taxpayers to supplement in-state college tuition for illegal immigrants under the DREAM Act (S 729 and HR 1751).

While, the intent of the DREAM Act seems honorable, sending disadvantage illegal immigrant's children to college, the reality is a nightmare for struggling American families. Rosemary Jenks, NumbersUSA director of government relations, conducted an analysis of the DREAM Act to reveal the nightmare:

The act's amnesty provision applies to all illegal immigrants' "kids" up to age 35.

To qualify the illegal immigrant will not have to prove a claim.

The taxpayers will supplement additional cost to allow the federal government to investigate any claims that are false.

The illegal immigrant parent who broke the law will be given a fast track to qualify for U.S. citizenship.

The DREAM Act would remove a key provision of the federal ban on in-state tuition for future illegal immigrants.

The act does not cap or limit the numbers qualified.

The DREAM Act is a massive give away of higher education. Since the number of open college admission enrollment slots are fixed for every illegal immigrant admitted an American student or legal resident will be turned away.

There are plenty of lower-income citizens who need educational assistance.

The DREAM Act would give illegal immigrants preference and put lower-income citizens at risk to a better education. In addition, it would put college out of reach for many middle-class citizens.

The DREAM Act is poorly written and supporters place the interest of illegal immigrants above the American family. This entitlement creates a higher incentive for illegal immigration into our country.

Call Congressman Paul Hodes and Sen. Judd Gregg today and oppose the DREAM Act.

Annette Cameron

Nashua, N.H.
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