Colleges Push Tuition Aid For Illegal Immigrants

[Purveyor]

(04-21) 07:01 PDT WASHINGTON (AP) --

Wading into the politically charged immigration debate, a group of colleges and universities is urging Congress to give illegal immigrants tuition aid and a path to citizenship in light of efforts in several states to block them.

The College Board, made up of 5,000 schools and best known for its SAT college admission tests, released a report Tuesday that cites a need for federal legislation that would open up in-state college tuition, financial aid and legal status to many illegal immigrants in the U.S.

Speaking publicly on the issue for the first time, the board is making its push after states in recent years have moved to bar illegal immigrants from paying in-state tuition and, in some cases, enrolling in their public colleges. It also comes as opponents are warning that immigration reform now could reduce already-scarce jobs and college enrollment slots in the ailing economy.

"This is a new area for us, but it was an easy call," said Thomas W. Rudin, a senior vice president for the College Board.

He noted the contradiction in which illegal immigrants who are legally entitled to a K-12 public education suddenly hit barriers when applying to college, even when many are "honor roll students, athletes, class presidents and valedictorians."

"We absolutely believe it's important for opening up economic opportunities," Rudin said.

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AP: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/04/21/national/w070103D04.DTL

[bluestateguy]

1. You. Have. Got. To. Be. Kidding. Me.

nt

[Mz Pip]

2. With all the concern and focus on

illegals and crime it seems like a good idea to address the fact that a lot of these kids are productive, motivated students with goals and aspirations that should be an inspiration to all.

Mz Pip

[Christa]

3. BS

Rather give tuition aid to citizens.

[hedgehog]

4. That's my knee jerk reaction, but consider that a lot of these kids grew up here .

This is the only country they've ever known. The real solution is to make college more affordable for all students!

[proud2BlibKansan]

6. Most of the kids in my state have been here since they were babies

In order to get instate tuition they have to be state residents, graduates of a high school in the state, their parents have to have paid state and federal income taxes and the kids need to have applied for citizenship.

It's a win win for all involved.

[proud2BlibKansan]

5. We do this in Kansas and it's a terrific program

Doesn't cost much and bright kids get an affordable education.

[Lance_Boyle]

7. College Board wants illegals' money for the SATs

Fuck them - why doesn't "the College Board" donate $5 from the cost of every SAT to put an illegal through school - or better yet, to fund deportation!

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

8. That's awesome.

I love it when bigots get pissed off.

[L0oniX]

9. Hey ...I am legal ...can I have some aid too? My uncle is a bankster ...help me out bro ...please?

[donheld]

10. I fully support this idea

It's the right thing to do.