Thread: MD- Amended DREAM Act moving forward in Maryland Senate

Would give illegal immigrants in-state college tuition rates
Matthew Bieniek
Cumberland Times-News The Cumberland Times-News
CUMBERLAND — Illegal and undocumented immigrants in Maryland could soon receive the same tuition breaks at many state colleges to which any citizen of the state is entitled.

“It’s the right thing to do at the end of the day,â€

Senate set for midweek debate on immigrant tuition
March 08, 2011 04:03 EST

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- A bill allowing children of illegal immigrants to pay in-state tuition rates at Maryland colleges is scheduled to be taken up by the state Senate in the middle of the week.

Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller said Monday night he's expecting a great deal of debate and a lot of proposed amendments to the legislation.

Miller, D-Calvert, says the bill will come up on Wednesday. He says the Senate could have two sessions on that day, because of the length of debate.

The measure would require children of illegal immigrants to graduate from a community college or receive an associate's degree before they could get in-state tuition rates at Maryland colleges.

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Read Senate Bill 167: http://mlis.state.md.us/2011rs/billfile/SB0167.htm

http://www.foxbaltimore.com/template/in ... .com.shtml

[quote]“It’s the right thing to do at the end of the day,â€

[quote="topsecret10"]

Offering education benefits to the undocumented students will get them higher-paying jobs and contribute to the state’s tax base, Ramirez said.

“Why wouldn’t you want those students in school? They are Maryland residents,â€

actually the debate in the committee is TOMORROW, March 9

If this passes someone from outside of Maryland should sue any college in the State to also receive "in state tuition", illegal invaders are not legal residents and for them to get preferential treatment is just plain wrong. Why should a LEGAL citizen from another state have to pay out of state tuition when an illegal doesn't have to?

Bill Giving College Break To Immigrants' Kids Detailed

Many Say Bill Puts Rule-Followers At Disadvantage

POSTED: 6:31 pm EST March 8, 2011
UPDATED: 7:21 pm EST March 8, 2011


ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- A fight is brewing in the state Senate chamber over legislation giving undocumented students a college tuition break.

A compromise reached in committee offers students who are in Maryland illegally in-state tuition at the community college level first. The schools have open enrollment, so U.S. citizens would not be displaced.

After completing two years of study, the students could transfer to a four-year institution and still get the in-state college tuition rate, according to the measure.

"What we wanted to do is give this option to kids who have been playing by the rules, who are going to school and doing what they're told, and who have good grades on their own merits. No one's getting a free ride," said Sen. Victor Ramirez, D-Prince George's County.

Bill analysts determined the proposed legislation gives undocumented students a $4,000 to $6,000 break a year at community colleges. They could save as much as $13,000 a year at the university level.

Republicans and some Democrats vowed stiff resistance when discussion begins Wednesday on the Senate floor. Critics contend the legislation is costly, promotes law-breaking and puts those who follow the rules at a disadvantage.

"It's not a good idea. It violates federal law," said Sen. Nancy Jacobs, R-Harford County.

Jacobs and others are drawing up several amendments to the measure. One of her amendments requires undocumented students to sign up for military service to become eligible for the in-state college tuition break.

"One of their arguments is it will help our work force. How's it going to help our work force to give in-state tuition to illegal aliens when they're not allowed to work in the state anyway?" Jacobs questioned.

The bill mandates illegal immigrants prove either they or their parents paid Maryland taxes for two years before enrollment. They would also have to submit proof that they are attempting to become U.S. citizens.

"I think they're afraid of change. I think the census, if it says anything, is that the state is changing," Ramirez said.

The Senate president said he anticipates a long debate on the subject. A similar measure will be heard in the House on Wednesday.

In 2003, Gov. Bob Ehrlich vetoed similar legislation.

http://www.wbaltv.com/r/27125483/detail.html

MARYLAND DREAM ACT

SENATE BILL: http://www.alipac.us/ftopicp-1181872.html#1181872 -18 sponsors. 47 State Senators, 13 are GOP

HOUSE BILL: http://www.alipac.us/ftopicp-1181871.html#1181871 - 58 Sponsors. 139 House Members, 42 are GOP

HOUSE Committee has hearings on this on Wednesday March 9

Originally Posted by nomas

If this passes someone from outside of Maryland should sue any college in the State to also receive "in state tuition", illegal invaders are not legal residents and for them to get preferential treatment is just plain wrong. Why should a LEGAL citizen from another state have to pay out of state tuition when an illegal doesn't have to?

It's gonna pass because Casa de Maryland will make sure it passes. They will do what they always do...bring in bus loads of illegal aliens to testify about their poor, struggling life in America, and how the taxpayers need to support their sob stories.

“[quote]We want the strongest and most educated work force as possible,â€