Law on Undocumented Immigrants Being Challenged
By Bob Grotenhuis - Producer
Tuesday, March 23, 2010 - 5:28pm

Texas - A law which allows undocumented immigrants to receive in-state tuition and financial aid is being challenged.

The lawsuit comes as recent numbers show the number of students benefitting from the law is increasing.

According to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, in Fall 2009 12,138 used the program.

That covers about 1% of students in Texas Universities.

THEC Board says in Fall of 2009 UTEP had 94 students benefit from the program.

From Fall 2005 to Summer of 2008 the state of Texas awarded $33.6 million in state and financial aid to those students.

The law was passed in 2001 and amended in 2005.

In order to qualify for the program students must have lived in Texas for the three years leading up to high school graduation or GED and file an affidavit indicating intent to apply for permanent residency status as soon as they are able to do so.

Critics are now questioning how much aid non U.S. residents and undocumented immigrants should receive, especially in tough economic times.

The Immigration Reform Coalition of Texas has since sued several Texas Universities.

Supporters of the law say it's necessary to help immigrants enter the workforce.

http://oneoldvet.com/

www.ktsm.com