Ark. Lawmaker's Bill Targets Illegal Immigrants

POSTED: 4:16 pm CST January 13, 2009
UPDATED: 4:41 pm CST January 13, 2009


LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- A legislator filed a bill Tuesday that would ban illegal immigrants from receiving in-state tuition, state scholarships or financial aid, while another legislator is considering a bill that would have nearly the opposite effect.

The bill filed by Rep. Bill Sample, R-Hot Springs, states that illegal immigration "is a factor that can lead to economic hardship." The bill states that the state shouldn't encourage illegal immigration by providing public benefits without properly verifying someone's residency.

The bill mirrors legislation already on the books in Oklahoma, which has one of the toughest laws in the nation against illegal immigration.

Sen. Joyce Elliott said she's still considering whether to file a bill making the children of illegal immigrants eligible for in-state tuition. She filed similar legislation during the 2005 session, when it made it out of the House but failed in the Senate. Elliot says there are moral and economic reasons for filing the bill.

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