Thread: GA: In-state tuition versus immigration law argued in Gaines

Updated Monday, May 14 at 6:10 PM


In-state tuition versus immigration law argued in Gainesville
By Jerry Gunn

GAINESVILLE - The Fourth and final public hearing held by the University System of Georgia on immigration and eligibility for in-state tuition rates was held Monday at the Gainesville Civic Center.

Board of Regents spokesman John Millsaps said public opinion is important but so is the law.

"Our prudent, conservative interpretation of the federal law at this point is that the granting of an instate tuition waiver would constitute a benefit," Millsaps said. "As we move forward we'll be seeing how we can accomplish that but it looks like we'll be continuing to advise our presidents that the granting of an in-state tuition waiver to someone who is not a legal U.S. resident would not be lawful under the new law."

Millsaps said for the University system, it is not only a legal issue, it’s a resource issue.

"If you were to provide an in-state benefit to an undocumented student, we would literally have to provide that benefit to anyone who applied to the system," Millsaps said. "Anybody who is not a resident of the state of Georgia could then come to system institutions and pay in-state tuition; obviously we don't have the resources to provide that sort of educational experience."

Hearings this month were held in Dalton, Clarkston, Tifton as well as Gainesville, areas known to have heavy Hispanic population.

Speaker after speaker including undocumented students and one U.G.A. graduate of Hispanic ancestry argued that instate tuition should remain intact for students with no proof they are legal residents.

Instate students pay $1000 tuition annually compared to the $4000 out of state rate.

Anton Flores said he would hang his diplomas upside down in protest; Kathy Areola read a statement from an undocumented Brazalian student who expects to work at a fast food restaurant instead of attending Georgia State University if declared ineligible.

Bill Morrison of Gainesville argued against the tuition waivers saying illegal is illegal and granting waivers would encourage people to break the law.

http://www.accessnorthga.com/news/hall/ ... ?ID=114256

Anton Flores said he would hang his diplomas upside down in protest

"Our prudent, conservative interpretation of the federal law at this point is that the granting of an instate tuition waiver would constitute a benefit," Millsaps said. "As we move forward we'll be seeing how we can accomplish that but it looks like we'll be continuing to advise our presidents that the granting of an in-state tuition waiver to someone who is not a legal U.S. resident would not be lawful under the new law."

I love my state.