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Despite the failure of the DREAM Act, California, Illinois, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, Texas, and Utah are proposing making college degrees a little easier for illegal immigrants to obtain.
Maryland is the latest state to join the group. According to an article by Shankar Vedanta in the Washington Post:
Maryland would offer in-state college tuition benefits to undocumented immigrants who have attended state high schools and whose parents are taxpayers if a measure being proposed by state Democrats becomes law.
The proposal, which will be introduced by Sen.-elect Victor R. Ramirez (D-Prince George’s) when the General Assembly convenes next month, is certain to generate controversy at a time of heated debate about illegal immigration, gaping state budget shortfalls, and intense competition for coveted spots at the University of Maryland and other state universities.
Maryland only has about 250,000 undocumented immigrants total, so the number of people who are likely qualified for in-state tuition under the proposed law is rather limited.
Maryland’s legislature approved a similar bill back in 2003 but Republican governor Robert Ehrlich vetoed it. His successor, the Democratic current governor, Martin O’Malley, is more likely to approve the new bill, however.
Some legislators object: “The citizens of Maryland do not offer in-state tuition to their fellow Americans” who aren’t state residents. “Why would we offer in-state tuition to people who violated our laws to get here?” asked Republican Maryland House Minority Leader Anthony O’Donnell rhetorically.
Well actually it’s most their parents who are responsible for violating the Old Line State’s sacred laws, but whatever.
Let’s see how far this bill goes. [Image via]
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Blake Sutherland on February 03, 2011 6:11 AM:
Well here we go again. Another attempt by Maryland legislators to reward illegal immigrants for breaking and entering into my country. As a child I was taught two wrongs don't make a right. As an adult I wonder how two illegals make a legal. I hope that many of Maryland's fine moderate democrats will use their common sense and realize that Maryland tax dollars are to be used to benefit legal residents. Not trespassers from other countries.
Delroy on February 04, 2011 12:56 PM:
Well Blake, it's MY country too and considering American students are some of the world's dumbest (especially in the Midwest/Blue Collar/Red States), I have no problem with foreign students coming to America to go to school. In fact, I have a solution: For every "Real Amurican" student who drops out, one undocumented immigrant gets their space.
How's that? They'll be plenty of room and no Amurican kid is kept out of the classroom.
Blake Sutherland on February 18, 2011 6:01 PM:
Well Delroy laws apply to all smart or not so smart and we the people are you and me not migrants trespassers from Mexico or Mars.