Colo. Senate OKs in-state tuition for illegal immigrants

[Seamonkey]

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.)

[ChunkyMonkey]

So CO residents must pay the same tuition as the illegals, a poor kid from Wyoming cannot go to the Federal subsidized Colorado university w/o paying 3x as much as the illegals in State AND finally, foreign students who pay arms and legs for Visa and doing the right thing pays the full amount should be encouraged not to extend their VISA..because its cheaper to be illegal. Got it, good move!

[Byte Stryke]

OK Goddamnit, Stop with the fluffy Bunny bullshit and pull off the fucking rose-colored glasses.
Stop with the PC naming bullshit!

"I do have family members who are undocumented," Sen. Angela Giron (D-Pueblo), one of the bill's sponsors, said.

IS ACTUALLY

"I do have family members who are CRIMINALS," Sen. Angela Giron (D-Pueblo), one of the bill's sponsors, said.

Come here, do the right thing and get screwed, But if you are Latino and in violation of State and federal laws we give you a prize!

[Buzzkill69]

How is it that someone who is in this country illegally is able to get inrolled in college in the first place? Even if they graduate they can't legally get a job anyway, so how is that helping the work force/economy? When are we going to stop treating criminals/illegals better then the legal law abiding citizens? They need to start allowing CO. citizens the right to vote on this crap.

[JohnTRourke]

it is so over.
been over for a long time, but we might as well move the process along.

it simply can't be fixed.

some animals are more equal than others (animal farm reference)

[Bailey Guns]

This bill had better die a quick death in the Republican house...

[roberth]

This bill had better die a quick death in the Republican house...

Damn straight.

How is it that some illegal, lying scum is able to go to a Colorado high school for 3 years in the first place?

These maggots need to be stopped at the border.

[HBARleatherneck]

all i can say is...fuck politicians. all of them. every last one. regardless.

[BPTactical]

all i can say is...fuck politicians. all of them. every last one. regardless.

+10,000
Dem Mudderphaqrs!

[alxone]

This bill had better die a quick death in the Republican house...

one can only hope