http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/news/state/14810601.htm

Posted on Tue, Jun. 13, 2006

Texan's amendment deny benefits to illegal immigrants


Associated Press

WASHINGTON - States like Texas would be prohibited from using federal funds to provide in-state tuition to illegal immigrants at colleges and universities under a provision approved by a House committee Tuesday.

The provision sponsored by Rep. John Culberson, R-Houston, was included in the 2007 spending bill providing federal money for labor, health and human services and education programs.

The bill and Culberson's amendment still must be approved by the House and Senate and signed by the president to become law.

Culberson said his amendment would prohibit states from allowing students who are illegal immigrants to pay in-state tuition rates unless the same benefit is provided to students from all other states.

The federal government has prohibited states from charging illegal immigrant students in-state tuition rates, unless the state specifically passes a law providing that benefit.

Texas and eight other states have done so.

"These state laws must be repealed because they violate federal law and defy common sense," he said.

Some young people were brought to the country by parents who are illegal immigrants. After finishing high school in the United States, some find they cannot attend college because they can't afford out-of-state tuition.

States have provided in-state tuition under the argument that the students should not be punished for their parents' actions.

Opponents of the benefit say it attracts more illegal immigration.

A sweeping immigration bill approved by the Senate in late May would allow states to charge in-state tuition to illegal immigrant students with high school diplomas or GED and no criminal record. The students must also meet other criteria.