Colo. Senate OKs in-state tuition for illegal immigrants
http://www.9news.com/news/article/19...gal-immigrants
DENVER - The Colorado Senate approved allowing illegal immigrant students to pay in-state tuition at state colleges in a 20-13 voice vote Friday. The bill would cover students who have:
- Attended a Colorado high school for at least three years
- Been admitted to a state college within a year of graduation
- Applied for citizenship
This would affect an estimated 700 students annually.
The way the system currently stands, illegal immigrants are not eligible for state need-based financial aid. Backers have dubbed the bill the "asset act," or the "advancing students for a stronger economy tomorrow." Democrats argue the bill will help create a more-educated workforce and would give more money to higher education. They estimate that total to be around $1.28 million.
Republicans who oppose the bill fear the bill would provide incentive for immigrants to come to the country illegally and will lead to higher operating costs at colleges.
Friday's vote was strictly on party lines, but for some legislators, it was more personal.
"I feel I would not be able to live with myself if I did not get up and speak," Sen. Lucia Guzman (D-Denver) said.
"I do have family members who are undocumented," Sen. Angela Giron (D-Pueblo), one of the bill's sponsors, said.
Republicans maintained their strong opposition to the plan.
This bill is trying to give an in-state tuition [cut] to a class of people that are breaking the law," Sen. Scott Renfroe (R-Greeley) said.
"We are incentivizing more illegal behavior by future generations," Sen. Ted Harvey (R-Highlands Ranch) said.
This is the fifth time the Democrats in Colorado have tried to pass a bill that gives in-state tuition to illegal immigrants. A similar bill died in the Senate in 2009 on a 16-18 vote.
"This is not a partisan issue. This is good education policy and good fiscal policy. It brings in good money for colleges and tax revenue, helps kids that want to get ahead in college go," Sen. Michael Johnston (D-Denver) said.
"I don't think we should incentivize illegal activity, and that's exactly what this does. You cannot grant somebody an entitlement, or make them eligible for a benefit, and reward illegal activity," Sen. Bill Cadman (R-Colorado Springs) said.
The bill sponsors are still waiting for a house committee assignment. The vote could come in the Republican-controlled House as soon as early next week.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
