Thread: MD: In-state tuition for illegals evokes anger and lawsuits

In-state tuition for illegals evokes anger and lawsuits

The Washington Times (Washington, DC)
April 15, 2011
By David Hill

Maryland Republican lawmaker Patrick L. McDonough said Thursday the General Assembly's passage of the Dream Act, which allows in-state tuition for many illegal immigrants, has awakened a great sleeping giant in this state and that he is actively rallying great forces to challenge its constitutionality.

Mr. McDonough, who already is involved in a lawsuit against Montgomery College over its offering in-state rates to illegal immigrants, is now meeting with national legal groups and activists nationwide to consider more lawsuits against the legislation, which passed Monday in the Democrat-controlled assembly and is expected to be signed later this month by Gov. Martin O'Malley, a Democrat.

Americans have had more than enough, said Mr. McDonough, a state delegate representing working-class sections of east Baltimore County and one of Maryland's toughest illegal-immigration critics.

Maryland has become a "Disneyland" for illegal immigrants.

The Dream Act allows in-state, community college tuition for college-age illegal immigrants, provided they have received a Maryland diploma, lived in the state for at least three years and that they or a guardian paid income tax each year during that span.

While federal law allows a free elementary and secondary education for all children, regardless of citizenship status, Mr. McDonough and many other critics have argued the bill violates federal law by providing a privilege to illegal immigrants that is not allowed to all U.S. citizens.

A proposed federal Dream Act failed in Congress last year.

Maryland is now among 11 states - including California, New York and Texas - with legislation allowing in-state tuition for illegal immigrants, though several states are now considering repealing their laws.

In Kansas, GOP lawmakers are looking to repeal legislation granting such tuition benefits to illegal immigrants. The House has passed the measure in this year's Legislature session and the Senate will likely decide when debates resumes April 29.

Mr. McDonough said that in addition to lawsuits challenging the bill's constitutionality, other lawsuits will be filed against the state on behalf of U.S. taxpayers, out-of-state-residents and foreign nationals who are not granted in-state tuition.

Supporters of the Dream Act have most often defended it as providing an affordable education for children who succeed in American schools after being brought to the country, through no choice of their own, by their parents.

Mr. McDonough said he is also involved in Maryland efforts to seek a referendum on the issue.

Organizers will have to collect 55,736 valid signatures from Maryland voters by June 30th, at least one-third of which would have to be submitted by May 31st to the state Board of Elections.

If the signatures are determined valid, the Dream Act will not go into effect and can not become law unless approved in a November 2012 vote.

Mr. McDonough said organizers are speaking with the state attorney general, who would have to approve language in their petition before any signatures are collected.

There isn't any question that the passion level and the anger level on this issue is significant, he said. Many, many people are going to want to sign this petition.

http://www6.lexisnexis.com/publisher/En ... 74&start=2

I would also suggest initiating recall actions against O'malley and anyone in the legislature who voted for this insanity if that can be done in the Mexican state of Mexrlyand. What else are they going to load on already strapped taxpayer's backs?

Where exactly is the Holder/Obomba lawsuit against these states? Where is the lawsuit against active sanctuary cities?
Where is the lawsuit against LA's special order 40?

this is the bs that has to get stopped