RI senator: US Attorney won't give tuition opinion

edweek.org
Associated Press
Published Online: October 26, 2011

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — A Rhode Island lawmaker says the state's top federal prosecutor won't weigh in on a new state policy giving illegal immigrants in-state tuition at state colleges.

State Sen. James Sheehan wrote to U.S. Attorney Peter Neronha this month seeking a legal opinion on whether the new law violates federal law.

Sheehan said Wednesday that Neronha's office said he would not respond to the request, and that his letter was forwarded to the U.S. Justice Department.

Sheehan, a North Kingstown Democrat, says he believes the way the policy was adopted may violate federal law.

A state higher education commission approved the policy last month. Sheehan says the decision should have been made by state lawmakers.

Neronha's office did not immediately respond to requests for comment Wednesday.

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