Thread: N.C. pushes ban on illegal immigrant students

N.C. pushes ban on illegal immigrant students
By Daniel C. Vock, Stateline.org Staff Writer

While other states struggle with the issue, North Carolina alone is moving ahead with an interpretation of a federal law that says illegal immigrants cannot attend community colleges, even if the students pay more than the cost of their education.

The new policy, (PDF: http://www.ncccs.cc.nc.us/News_Releases/CC08-114.pdf ) approved May 13 by the North Carolina Community College System, comes after six months of political and legal controversy on the topic, but it is unlikely to be the last word in an area where federal courts and immigration officials have offered little guidance to states.

Practically speaking, the decision’s effect will be limited. It doesn’t apply to students attending English as a Second Language classes or vocational training, for instance. Only 112 North Carolina community college students who pursued academic credit last year — out of a total of 296,520 — likely were illegal immigrants, according to the community college system.

But symbolically, the policy is “insultingâ€

On the other hand, she said, the only way foreign nationals can attend college in the United States legally is through the agency’s International Student Exchange and Visitors Program. Illegal immigrants in the U.S. cannot qualify for that program, Reilly said

And thats the law Deal with it . Become Illegal or go to Pago Pago , i don't care . But Illegals have no rights remember that

[quote]Admitting undocumented students “isn’t taking any money from anyone. It isn’t taking any (class) space from anyone. The reason (for the change) is: ‘We just don’t want these people in our schools,’â€