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In-State Tuition for Illegal Immigrants

by Raul Damas | May 3, 2003

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Since our nation’s lawmakers have no immediate interest in discussing immigration reform, those interested in the topic must content themselves with its periphery. One such area concerns whether or not high school graduates who are illegal immigrants should be eligible for in-state tuition for college education. As with most debates, this one is just as interesting for what is said as for what remains unsaid.

Beginning with the facts, tuition policies are set at the state-level in 35 states. The remaining 15 states set their policies on a by-campus basis. So far, Texas, California, Utah, New York and Washington have altered their in-state tuition policies to include students who are here illegally.

Most recently, Virginia Governor Mark Warner, a Democrat, vetoed a bill that would have overridden Virginia law and excluded illegal immigrant students from receiving in-state tuition. The Maryland legislature just sent an in-state tuition bill to Republican Gov. Robert Ehrlich’s desk. This piece of legislation would be the opposite of the Virginia bill, including rather than excluding undocumented high school graduates from the in-state tuition pool.

Ehrlich wouldn’t be the first Republican Governor to stake out a major piece of turf in this battle. In 2001, Texas was the first state to overhaul its in-state tuition laws. Gov. Rick Perry, the Republican successor to Gov. George W. Bush, concurred with the state legislature that “the cost of not helping motivated students attend college is greater than the cost of helping them.”

And who are these “motivated students?” Illegal Hispanic immigrants, mostly Mexican. Sure, there are numerous other illegal immigrant groups that would benefit from receiving in-state tuition, but immigrants from Latin America far outnumber all the other groups combined.

Most importantly, Hispanics, because of the populations’ size and growth rate, are the future of this country. The success of this immigrant group, especially in terms of education, will largely determine what this country looks like in the latter half of this century and beyond.

As the Baltimore Sun’s Vibiana Andrade recently pointed out, a study by the RAND Corporation “found that making higher education accessible and affordable for all Latinos benefits the nation, the states and the students. RAND put the monetary benefits of doubling the number of bachelor’s degrees for Latinos at $13 billion.” This sum represents a combination of increased federal, state and local taxes, as well as a reduction in spending for welfare, health and law enforcement programs.

Add to that the disposable income of these students and you can double that $13 billion.

Proponents of in-state tuition for illegal immigrants also point out that it’s the compassionate thing to do. These students are among the most promising in our nation and they should not be denied the chance for an education and, ultimately, success in our nation’s workforce.

That’s all well and good, you might say, but what about the problems with giving illegal aliens in-state tuition?

FAIR, the Federation for American Immigration Reform, does a fine job of summing up the opposition argument:

States that offer in-state tuition rates to illegal aliens are actively working against the federal government’s effort to combat illegal immigration, harming citizens and legal immigrants, and opening themselves up to substantial costs and criminal liability.”

FAIR and other opponents of in-state tuition for illegal immigrants argue that such practices “necessarily deny opportunities to U.S. citizens and legal residents.” Furthermore, they argue, taxpayers should not be forced to subsidize, in whatever part, the education of illegal aliens.

These are strong, seemingly valid points, but as I mentioned earlier, there is a nagging question just below the surface here that changes the entire dynamic of the discussion: How did these students get where they are?

I’m not talking about how the students came to this country. Clearly, either they were brought here by their parents, who emigrated illegally, or they were born here and raised by parents who cam here illegally.

No, the question is, why are we doing something about this only once these students have beaten unbelievable odds and earned a high school diploma?

If opponents of illegal immigration are so fired up about this issue, why aren’t they just as exercised about the fact that for the previous 12 or so years, these students were being educated, not for reduced tuition, but for free? Someone gave these kids a diploma. Why isn’t that a factor in the debate?

For Republicans, it had better be, or else it could look to those ready to nail us for bigoted, anti-immigrant policies, that we’re willing to give illegal immigrants - who am I kidding? - illegal laborers publicly-funded education, but only to a certain point.

To say this looks bad is an understatement.

Going into hysterics because a promising illegal Mexican immigrant wants to get a break on her college tuition, while at the same time keeping mum on the public high school diploma tucked under her arm, makes it look like we’re trying to enforce an educational glass ceiling. The not-so-subtle message from opponents of the in-state tuition policy is that if you want to educate yourself enough for a minimum-wage job, that’s fine. But if you try to shoot a little higher, say a real income, then we’ve got all sorts of ethical and legal dilemmas.

I can already see the ads. And so can Terry McAuliffe.

Republican Voice (read: white male): Enough education to get yourself a minimum wage job? Sure, help yourself. Wait, now you want to go to college? But that’s illegal. You’re making a mockery of our borders and our laws!

Luckily, key Republicans, like Texas Gov. Rick Perry, are in on the joke. They realize that the benefits of increased tax revenue, as well as a reduction in welfare and crime, far outweigh whatever ethical and legal “challenges” in-state tuition for illegal immigrants presents.

But, this isn’t about politics. This is about facing facts and doing what needs to be done to keeps our nation strong. You see, nothing says “assimilated” like a college degree.

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472 Comments - add your own

Richard — August 19, 2003 at 3:38 pm

I live in Robert Erlichs district, or what used to be his district and I was quite upset with being an American and having to pay to further my education, when an illegal alien was getting his education (to include books and transportaion) free. Why doesn’t this country take care of its own?

Damon — September 12, 2003 at 12:06 pm

California is going to hell quickly…. First, our lame ass governor Davis signs a bill allowing for ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS to obtain a CA driver’s license, and now another bill where we will pay full tuition to ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS. Hmmmmmm. What I’d like to know is where are the benefits of those who have worked hard aa CITIZENS of this quickly failing state of California? Those who have paid their taxes, who are here legally.

Contrary to what the bleeding left vomits, it IS not supposed to be about race… but the Liberals are making everything a racist issue. Its for the STATE….not for one particular race (ahem Mr. BUSTAMECCA). What the hell is happening…. we already have an immigration problem in California that we CAN’T fix, its obvious…Why invite more problems,especially with our needs for tighter homeland security measures.

Unless all LEGAL residents of California stand up and vote against the ridiculous bills that have passed recently to benefit ILLEGALS, California will fall apart. Thank you LIBERALS.

One thing I can comfortably say as a tax payer, a citizen, and a white person. I will happily fight any initiative that seeks to give preferential treatment to someone based solely on RACE. No longer are white people tagged with being racist. Its across the board to all races now, and its about time citizens of any race pull our system back so it benefits us all….not seeing us a separate races, but one people… AMERICANS.

Oh ya…. and while we’re at it. ENGLISH IS THE NATIONAL LANGUAGE. Learn it, or LEAVE!

Jane — September 13, 2003 at 1:33 am

I for one would like to say that AMERICA is supposed to be a welcoming land giving hope to those in need of it…not shut doors in the faces of struggling young scholars. Also we should all remember to keep an open mind and remember that change is good…especially when the numbers are soooo obvious.

Patty — September 15, 2003 at 4:53 pm

I am against free tuition for illegal Immigrants. The USA has a lot of poor students that are brilliant that need free education FIRST!!!!! We cannot do this.

edd — September 22, 2003 at 7:34 pm

this whole immigration issue is making me sick, california is being handed over to the mexicans. my parents are legal citizens from the Philippines, my father grew up in the projects of new orleans, fought for this country in the vietnam war, worked small jobs to get a college education while raising a family. my mother also a legal citizen worked hard while raising a family to get an education to become a registered nurse. they are both well off and have provided everything for myself and my brother, they started from meager beginnings and worked for everything they have. i am not a racist i am not a bigot. when i see things like california drivers liscenses or a college education handed out for free to people that should not be in this country to begin with, it reduces the value of all of the hardships that legal documented immigrants went through to be here in this great country.

bill walcott — October 5, 2003 at 3:42 pm

This is bullshit You are wasteing TAX Payers money on Illegal Immigrants who do not pay taxes. They are takeing Americans Jobs With stolen ss cards. They need to be deported. America is not free I pay for what little freedom we get and so do all the other Legal Americans. These people are makeing the value of the Dollar go down. By the way last time I knew ENGLISH was still what we speak here. If you can’t speak GET OUT. My ancestors had to learn it so should YOU.

Cdaway — October 15, 2003 at 3:34 pm

Although I am one that disagrees with the notion of benifits for illegal aliens, we can be a little more civil with our opinions.. Simply put, it is against the law to be in this country without proper documentation. These documents allows the social system to keep track of us and to allow the system to run in an improved secure manner. If you do not or cannot show these documents all services must be denied. Nothing racist about that.

arfan sheikh — October 20, 2003 at 5:15 pm

hello my name is arfan I a writting in regards of the topic immigration, I am trying to write a persuasive paper on immigration for my english 102 class. I wondering if you can help chosse what aspect of immigration should i consider writting about. I’m a immigrant to united state also but I do have permanent residency. I think it is horrible what an individual must do to have some status in this country. Please if you can write bacK at ARFANLS@YAHOO.COM asap will be greatly apreciated. thank you

Joe — November 13, 2003 at 12:26 pm

As you can see, we have a problem in our society. People are getting away with things they should not be able to. They skulk their way in our country just to get away. Yet, they have not thought of the consequences they lay before them in America. If we would just take this problem more seriously we could get rid of it. Our nation has been nice for to long and people are taking advantage of it.
I am only 14 years old and do not really have say in this predicament; but I do see a problem when it is in my face and in our countries face, and we need to do something.

Cherie Romero — November 19, 2003 at 4:36 pm

First of all you people need to educate yourselves.Because a lot of you say that immigrants don’t pay taxes. Guess what they do. You people need to quit being so self centered and be more open minded. People are complaining because they are not recieving free money. Well idiots that is because your parents make enough money to send you to college. The government gives money to people who need it and a lot of immigrants deserve the chance to go to college. Everyone needs to look beyond their materialistic little worlds.

Troy Stevens — November 29, 2003 at 9:31 am

It is time for the legal voters of this country to stand up to the people we vote into office and let them know that illegal immigration is hurting our great nation security and fiscally. If the INS or homeland security can not control illegal immigration then it should be up to the individual cities and states. It is time that law enforcemnt stand up and start questioning immigrants about their legal status. If they aren’t legal, then they should be detained and deported. For you Mr. Romero I am all for immagrants getting help with higher education tuition. It is the illegal immigrants that don’t deserve because they are breaking the law by being here period.

Anna — December 5, 2003 at 12:39 pm

When I am reading this kind of comments, I feel sick. You “big” Americans, don’t You remember what country your parents or grandparents came from? We are all immigrants. Nobody is better or worst. The real American citizens are Indian Americans. Well, now there are just 2,000 of them , because You “americans” placed them in little reserves. Oh!Yes. What about Thanksgiving Day? What are you thanking for? For being in this country. For turky which Indians gave you when you come here first?And what happened than?…
And one more thing.I am immigrant and I study very hard to become “somebody” in the future. Moreover, in this country you can get good education that is why a lot of people are coming here.Illegal immigrants are doing the worst job which americans don’t do for such low money.There are a lot of illegals who pay taxes every single year. They don’t have an I.D. Drivrer’s Licence, Permition for work, Health insurance,etc.Still they have to work for food. Citizens always can get money from gov.illegals no.

edd — December 20, 2003 at 2:21 am

i am so sick and tired of people talking about how illegal aliens do all the dirty work that american citizens won’t do for such low wages. maybe if all the illegal aliens weren’t in the country accepting such low wages then perhaps many more unemployed or homeless citizen’s could pick fruit or clean offices for decent wages. i have no problem paying a few dollars or cents more for cabbage and oranges so that american citizens can earn more than an illegal alien.

Nadia — February 25, 2004 at 8:41 pm

I’m a foreign student. I’m tired to hear bad things about illegal immigrants in this country, but I think that they are part of this world too. The land of the U.S is for everyone, no matter whether or no you want. You have to be more flexible and think how to help to other people who really need from us. Stop thinking negative things about these people. They are not stealing your money because they work pretty hard to earn money for survive without depending from the government. Of course they’re paying taxes like you, but you like to say a lot of things that you don’t know.

anonimous — April 20, 2004 at 8:28 am

you american people suck because if you still talking bad stuff another bin laden is going to destroy america como les quedo el ojo perros de mierda…

Dreamer — May 21, 2004 at 4:22 pm

I cannot believe how closed-minded some people can be, specially when talking about topics like this. First of all I would like to say that most of the people who consider the idea of letting illegal students go to college are failing to realize the impact this idea will have on the future. And to all of those who think illegal students are taking the opportunities away from those “legal citizens” who deserve to go to college for free, well, look at the numbers! How many “legal citizens” go to school only to have fun and to be messing around, how many girls get pregnant and end up getting welfare because their boyfriends do not want to support them, how may “legal citizen” students drop out of high school even though they know they have the opportunity of going to college, how many of them do not end up in jail or working minimum-wage-jobs? So why not let the students who take education seriously and are willing to work hard to get somewhere do so? Do you want them all to have minumum wage jobs and be getting welfare when they can do better. Think about it.

Joan Wallis — May 22, 2004 at 6:04 pm

I am so discouraged at the lack of enforcement of Immigration policies by both parties. I think each citizen should be treated equally in the area of Tuition. We should not allow illegals anything unless they comply with the rules of citizenship. This is only encouraging a problem that due to nonenforcement is totally out of control.

Politicians are selling America down the river in order to get votes and it is up to us, the American people, to make them accountable to laws designed to protect America and our national interests and security. It is time for a Rebellion of sorts — get on the phone to your Congress Representatives and Senators and let their phones ring off the hook, or bombard them with emails and letters until some one up there listens to us. They have dodged this issue for decades and now it is totally out of the control of normal processes — now is the time for drastic action to solve this outrageouis dilemna.

TAKE ACTION!!! — THIS IS ELECTION YEAR - USE THAT AS A WEDGE — MANY OF THEM WILL BE UP FOR RE ELECTION ——THEY PRODUCE OR WE VOTE THEM OUT.

Jckwll @ aol.com

Kevin McClure — May 24, 2004 at 10:38 am

The liberal left wing Democratic politicians and vote seeking republicans that have passed these ridiculous and discriminating policies are destroying our country. Yes this is the land of opportunity and there are plenty of us, LEGALS, that have not reached or began to reach the opportunities this country supposedly offers.
With the cost of tuition and living expenses at record highs, we are now suppose to use our limited life savings to put our kids through school while paying higher taxes for illegals to go to college. Not only do they go to college for free or for little to nothing, they take on none of the liabilities of being a legal citizen.
These politicians are out of control. They are power hungry and don’t give a shit about us.
It’s time for these bastards to go. I say we all aspire to become illegals and stop paying taxes or college loans.

Kevin McClure — May 24, 2004 at 10:50 am

There are a lot of dumb ass thoughts on this site but the Mr. or Mrs. Anonymous posting from April 20th takes the cake:
Two wrongs don’t make a right. Giving tuition or welfare to illegals is wrong from the get go.
There are plenty of legals that piss away there college, but giving illegals free tuition will only make the problem worse. If you want illegals to receive welfare and free college tuition, talk to President Fox. Go across the border and become a citizen there. Use the power of your vote THERE to make changes. Don’t
screw up our country along with there’s.
OH and by the way, learn how to spell before you start bad mouthing legals (Anonymous).

Ruth — May 24, 2004 at 11:13 pm

I understand your point of view but i cant necessarily say i agree. It is this kind of mentality that is bringing our country down. Some of the most brightest minds are being deprived of their education simply because narrow minded people, such as Raul Damas, dont agree with giving everyone equal rights. Is this not a ‘free country’? I dont believe it is fair to illegal immigrants that were brought here by their parents as children to be punished for a law they did not break!! By giving them equal rights, i belive that this country will benefit from it by having more educated minds in the system.

Put yourself in their position, it is unfair for immigrants that were brought here by their parents to be punished. it is time for these narrow minded people to open their eyes and realize immigrants are a majority in this country and whether you like it or not, they are here to stay!!!!!

unknown — May 26, 2004 at 9:41 pm

i totally agree with ruth (i think thats her name) and plus, we are all immigrants, or at least our ancestors are, unless you are native american which i doubt any of you are here. stop being so stupid and open your eyes, immigrants are here whether you like it or not!!!

HM — May 30, 2004 at 5:21 pm

Folks, Raul Damas is a friend of mine. I wrote him regarding the Dream Act amnesty bill—thought you would all enjoy some black and white facts. The truth hurts—and even more so for USA taxpayers. Contact http://www.theamericanresistance.com or http://www.numbersusa.com. And by the way, UtahÃÂ¢??s Rep. Cannon said , ÃÂ¢??We love immigrants in Utah. And we donÃÂ¢??t often times make the distinction between legal and illegal (immigrants).ÃÂ¢?ÃÂ

I wonder if the word ÃÂ¢??weÃÂ¢?ÃÂ include all the taxpayers in Utah? Because we taxpayers are paying on average $7,000 a year per primary education student. Add in any specials programs (such as Spanish English language acquisition classes) and you can add an additional $10,000 per year per student.

Eliminate a mere 200 illegal alien students for one year and state taxpayers will save 3 million, 400 thousand dollars for that school year. That might help fund the remainder of your legal resident students General Ed.

Hi Raul!
You are much better looking than the caricature drawing below thisÃÂ¢?ÃÂ¦. But, Raul. I am going to absolutely contend your push for the DREAM Act amnesty. The average cost for the state taxpayers is an additional $16,000 a year over and above the in-state tuition costs. If you would like me to, I will send you the breakdown on in-state vs. out of state costs on various colleges in the United States. There are fine universityÃÂ¢??s in Latin AmericaÃÂ¢?ÃÂ¦these ÃÂ¢??studentsÃÂ¢?? who are now adults need to go home and pursue their education in their country. They will then be contributing members of their own society, or they can apply from their own country to live here legally if they wish to do so. We do not owe them higher education breaks, nor do we really owe them any free public funded primary education. My student child is attending a private and costly school (And I cannot afford it) next year because she is being left behind despite the No Child Left Behind law. This child of mine was honored for academics in her entire school career by President Bush. My child is being left behind because the push to bring up low-achieving students is on and that leaves no time, teachers or $$$ for even the average performers in school. Regretfully, the school told me that my child carries a minimum of 5 low achievers to make their school look good on state testing performances. My child cannot and will not carry the failing public schools any longer. I wonÃÂ¢??t allow it. Our schools here are failing because we have gone from less than 100 Spanish-speaking students to over 1950 in 8 years. It is gaining ESL students daily. Fact. I am not only well-versed in immigration and politics, I am very well-versed in education. I am also an active and federally mandated school advisory board member here and have been for several years. The broken part is the above-mentioned part, native students scoring well above average, immigrant students in our H.S. scoring so low, they are at a ZERO. I am all for the No Child Left Behind law, but it will fail because of this. That, or your certified teachers will all leave. Marty
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In-State Tuition for Illegal Immigrants
by Raul Damas | May 3, 2003 |

patricia — June 22, 2004 at 8:32 pm

i agree with Ruth, people are so closed minded…look around!!! this world is made of diverse people and its gonna stay that way…GET USE TO IT!!!!!!

Martha — July 6, 2004 at 1:18 am

Hey, for you that are against illegal immigrants, you guys should be more open minded. I’m an illegal immigrant I’ve being living here sense i was 5 years old I don’t know what is to live in Mexico, I now graduated from High School and I have a son U.S Citizen and I have a goal for me to go to college and provide for my son a better life. I’m proud of my self because I’m not in walfare or foods stamps or any kind of finicial assistant program. I’m really determine to continue achieving my goals. I’M REALLY FOR THE IN-STATE TUITION FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS. YOU GOUYS SHOULD OPEN YOUR MINDS FOR CHANGES.

Annie — July 8, 2004 at 11:11 pm

I’m a senior in high school and have lived in the United States for 15 years of my life. When I came here I didn’t know I was breaking the law…all I knew is that I loved this country and I still do. I learned the lenguage and adapted to its culture. As I grew up reality hit me and it became clear to me how hard it would be for me to be successful in this country. I live in Nevada and I was not allowed to get a driver’s license or a state id. Throughout middle school and high school I have not done anything but concentrate on my studies and now I feel like it was all worthless. I am a member or National Honor society, JROTC, Senior Class Vice president. I play varsity softball and Volleyball, and have a 3.8 GPA. Tell me why I don’t deserve to go to college and “legal residents” who smoke, do drugs, skip classes, or try to blow up their schools and kill their their classmates do. I don’t think it’s fair. My goal is to go to college and join the Marines and fight for the country who made me the strong person I am, but I can’t. Everyone was illegal here at some point or another. All I know is that times are changing and whether you like it or not the Hispanic population is growing and someday our voice will be heard. If African Americans defeated slavery we will too. Beause they also were brought in from Africa. So just a thought for you guys….

Melonie Smith — July 14, 2004 at 9:33 pm

I think that this is wrong to not let them get an education of their own. I have argued this before and all colleges have said why should we let some one who does illegal things into our college? Well everyone does something illegal in there life. I have seen some college students get busted for selling drugs on campus. So if a student that is serious about getting a good education why not let him into that school. That is saying basically that you think that this person isnt good enough to go to your school based on what they went through as a child. I have argued thisn before and all people seem to say is that they dont want illegal immigrants in thier school but i challenge you all of you out there to ask them why and get a good answer

edd — July 17, 2004 at 2:08 pm

if all of the illegal immigrants would just stay in their country and work to make their country a better place, one worth living in then this wouldn’t be an issue. by running away from their own countries they are only keeping their own people down. work hard in your own country to create better schools, better businesses, and a better society. then come to america legally, waiting your turn like many others do to see what other opportunities are here.

norma — July 20, 2004 at 12:15 am

My parents and I immigrated to this country almost 15 years ago. I had no choice, i was only 4, and even if i’d had one, i would have still chosen to come here. I love America as any American would. I was here when the 9 11 tragedy happened, and i cried just the same, i lost friends, and i too wanted to go fight for the country that ever since i can remember I have called HOME. I, like many others, am illegal and seeking to further my education. I did the best that i could in High School in hope that by doing so, I would be able to go to college. But when i graduated, reality hit, and HARD. I’ve been out of school for over a year and working a dead end job, but instead of complaining, I thank God for giving me the strength and the patience to overcome. I know that there are alot of people out there like me that know no other home than the USA. So if you oppose to give illegals a chance to further their education, take a good, long, hard look around you, we’re here, and we’re going to stay here, so you might as well get used to it!!!!

Luis — July 29, 2004 at 1:47 am

Melonie S. Please forgive me for being so direct, but i disagree with you, I hope I am wrong but you seem very, very American … of course you would not know what is like to live in a country like Mexico, Iraq or Cuba, I am an immigrant and I came to the US four years ago, you really think its very easy to “work hard in your own country to create better schools, better businesses, and a better society?” how about you are form a country where not only the economy its poor but on top of that its filled with corruption and if you happen to have the great idea of making the world better they’d make you dissapear? the government does not play, its their way or the high way, thats Mexico. How about Cuba? its a communist country, there you eat what they say you will eat by only allowing the stores to sell certain goods, you got to live where they place you, etc.. its horrible. So you said “if all of the illegal immigrants would just stay in their country and work to make their country a better place, one worth living in then this wouldn’t be an issue” you want to know why we come here? because in our countries we cant change the way they are, we cant change the way things run. so we come here seeking jobs and freedom, and we come here to doit the honest way (most of us) and like edd said we work really hard to earn the money earn, any yet the goverment makes it really hard to get a simple Driver’s license, why they dont give it to us? because we dont have a SSN or a green card? how come they still take taxes off my chek and they cant give me a Driver’s license?
So you ask why dosnt everybody stay in their country? because we have no choise, and everybody knows that this country would had never been what it is today with out the help and hard work of the immigrants that work hard every day in the farms, getting fresh food in your table, building the offices in wich you could be employed at, or cleaning the floors and windows of the store you shop at.

Luis — July 29, 2004 at 1:52 am

Sorry.. i did not ment you Melonie.. i ment edd .. its just that i thought that the name of author of the message apeared at the top not at the bottom. So the message its quoting edd and I was refering to what Nadia said instead of “like edd said”

Luis — July 29, 2004 at 10:31 pm

and one more thing … i dont know why they say Mexicans and LatinoAmericans are inveders to America… we were here first, Americans in the other hand are the runaways that came here invading and taking the land of us Latinos and Other Native-Americans that were already here so-…. may I ask … Who is the Invader? Yall came here hundreds of years ago for the very same reason a lot of internationals come here today, political issuess and freedom? so instead of complaining and doing dumb thinks like stupid rasisnt clans, American Goverment should make easy to become a citizen and welcome immigrans with warmth and comfort .. because im sure that is the spaniards hadnt stole our gold and Native americans would had been a lot more agressive defending their lands things would had turned out a lot different and it would had been yalll jumping our borders … Americans took advantage of the Nativeamericans way of society, as well as the spaniards took advantage of the ignorance of Aztecs and Other Mesoamerican tribes, SO MY POINT IS: DONT FORGET WHERE YALL CAME FROM AND BE COMPREHENSIVE.

by yall i mean people whos against helping immigrants and think we are invaders that should bug-off and go back to our countries because some of us WE ARE IN OUR HOME LAND!

david — August 25, 2004 at 11:55 am

The bottom line is that all these narrow minded people who are “hard-working Americans” would never understand the reasons that illegal immigration is NECESSARY for some people unless they had ever been in the same situation in which we, or our parents were in. It is a human nature to attemp to better your way of life and pursue freedom and equality. How can you tell ME to go back to MY country? Did you know that your ancestors forced my family out of what was MY country? how do you justify the trail of tears? how can you explain to me that forcing the NATIVE Americans out of their land was “manifest destiny”? All you know now is that people (particularly illegal immigrants) are taking over YOUR country. By not opening your mind, all you’re doing is ultimately hurting yourself because you don’t want to accept reality, immigrants DO shape this country, and they have been doing it since it begun. My mother was an illegal immigrant, and so was I when I arrived to this country at the age of nine. I am now in college, majoring in International Business and obtaining my MBA. I am also paying in-state tuition and getting every benefit that I deserve. And guess what? I AM shaping this country not Richard, or Dmaon, Patty, or Edd, or Kevin McLure who all they know to do is complain and very ignorantly debate about issues on which they have no idea about. In-State tuition for everyone that has worked hard and deserves it.

AGRIPINA MARIE GARCIA — September 3, 2004 at 3:19 pm

I AM A MEXICAN-AMERICAN COLLEGE STUDENT. BORN AND RAISED IN SOUTH TEXAS RIGHT ON THE MEXICAN BORDER. AS A STUDENT IN ROMA HIGH SCHOOL (AND HAVING MY HOME ONLY 1 BLOCK AWAY FROM THE INTERNATIONAL BRIDGE) I WOULD SEE EACH MORNING AS HUNDREDS OF KIDS,RANGING IN AGE, WOULD WALK THERE WAS ACROSS THE STREET TO A SCHOLL BUS THAT WAS PARKED WAITING FOR THEM. I ALWAYS THOUGHT THAT WAS A NICE THING THAT ROMA ISD WAS DOING UNTIL RECENTLY WHEN I BECAME A TAX PAYING, AMERICAN. THEY WOULD EVEN BE EXEMPTED, IN SOME CASES ON PAYING THE TOLL TO CROSS OVER. THE WAY I SEE IT THAT IS NOT CORRECT OR FAIR FOR U.S BORN STUDENT S. MY MOM AND GRANDMA WOULD PAY THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS EACH YEAR IN PAYING SCHOOL TAXES WHERE THEIR PARENTS WOULD BE PAYING NOTHING BUT STILL THEY WERE ALLOWED TO EAT THE CAFETERIA FOOD, USE OUR BOOKS, PLAY IN OUR SPORTS TEAMS JUST BECAUSE THEY WERE FROM MEXICO. THAT IN MY EYES IS NOT FAIR, INSTEAD OF PROPOSING LAWS SUCH AS THE DREAM ACT IMMIGRANTS SHOULD CONCENTERATE IN IMPROVING THEIR COUNTRY INSTEAD OF INVADING OURS

Linda — September 23, 2004 at 8:38 pm

Well first of all you were the first illegals here. Taking the land of the indians and why? So your ancesters could have a better life! That is the same reason we come here. I am an ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT and proud of it MEXICAN TOO. Can you believe I’m almost done with college. and guess what I got a full Scholarship for college. If you are that smart why don’t you try and beat that, American.!!!! If you don’t like it go pick up Vegatables, construct houses, and beat your ass in the sun. We work hard for what we have!!!!

Karina — September 25, 2004 at 8:38 pm

There are some very closed-minded comments on this page, I am guessing most of you are from California, but things aren’t the way they seem. I Live in Illinois and I am a senior in high school, not until a few days ago I found out that I have to pay out-of-state tuition for any school I go to just because I am an illegal immigrant. Not only that but I am only allowed to go to state schools or community colleges. By the way my parents do pay taxes every year, they worked very hard for me and my other two brothers to get a good education, and now that I’m almost out of high school I don’t even know if I’m going to be able to go to college? What kind of stupidity is that? When students that are going to college to party and get drunk all the time get in. I wish they knew how lucky they really are and that they could appreciate things more.

margarita — September 28, 2004 at 6:04 pm

i came here four years ago, i could not speak any english, but i did my best to learn it. during high shool i studied hard to graduate hoping to attend college amd become a lawyer. unfortunatelly, i have faced that reality i can’t do that. i don’t have enough money to pay the out-state tution for college
i just hope that the government will pass laws to help people like me.

Stefania — April 12, 2005 at 9:47 pm

I came here, from Argentina, 7 years ago, legally. My family and I are still waiting on the FBI for to recieve our official residency card. It’s very frustrationg because I’m a senoir in High School, and though I’ve worked so hard to get good grades, I’m still not eligeable for financial help for college. Financial help should not be based on nationality, but the scores of tests like the ACT and SAT.
Peace,
-Stefania

Karol Marroquin — April 15, 2005 at 11:41 am

I just want to say that anyone who wrote something against immigrants, have not yet gone through what immigrants struggle through. I don’t think you would be saying the same thing if you were one of them. Think about what all these immigrants give to America and what is still comming up.
America will not be what it is now without it’s blend of different people. I don’t think any immigrants are hurting anyone.
Try to understand what they’ve been through and then you’ll realize that they are not taking over this country. they are here to make it better.

m. Jones — April 21, 2005 at 12:45 pm

In-state tuition should not be offered to illegal aliens. If the farmer’s son from Illinois can not have in-state tuition, then the farmer’s son from Mexico should not.

As a military family member I have lived in Europe and Asia and travelled to 12 foreign countries. Let me tell all Americans that racism is alive and well around the world. Please do not allow yourselves to believe that “white Americans” are the only racists. Japanese hate Koreans. Koreans hate Phillapinos. Germans hate Turkish people. Puerto Ricans and Mexicans hate Black Americans.

People in other countries do not want “foreigners” taking over. What do you think would happen if millions of Chinese flooded South Africa? South Africans would offer them tea?

Even better, how about if millions South Africans flood Mexico? Mexico is a country of immigrants from Spain anyway so Mexicans should not think it is their land. It belongs to the native Indians that lived there 400 years ago. Those natives are the only “true Mexicans.” And Mexico should pay for the South African immigrants’ education after they arrive.

Joenny — May 5, 2005 at 7:57 pm

Some people are seriously just not smart enough to figure this out. Honestly, i’ve come up with the conclusion that this racist “americans” do not like competition. They just want to be thought of as the “dominant” race, because they know that we can compete with them, get better grades than them, obtain a better job. Why? because we’re not afraid to work hard. We’re the ones that work in fiels in the hot sun because, that’s too hard for them. We’re the ones who plant their trees, because they don’t want to get their hands dirty. What’s so wrong with competition? are you afraid? because you find something that i’ve done wrong in my life and then you can tell me to get the hell out of here, but all i’ve done is good for this country. We do pay taxes, I am number 11 out of 400 people in my junior class, i do have 600 hours of community service, is that not enough for you? do i have to see my body or kill myself and donate my organs for you to accept me? i’m sorry, but i am trying my best to fit in. I learned English so people like you wouldn’t complain. But don’t give me this “you’re taking our money, and you’re taking our land” because we just want an Education. is that too much to ask for? I don’t see what i have done to be treated like a terrorist, because i am better than a lot of ya’ll American people, and you better accept that!

emily — May 9, 2005 at 11:07 pm

i am doing a paper on whether or not illegal immigrants should be allowed to go to school for free. many of you illegals may pay taxes and such, but there is a legal procsess tp gp through to get here, then you too will get the full benefits that we legal citizens get. i am not racist of any sort. i just hate the fact that so many illegal immigrants are coming to this country illegally and then complaining about not getting what they want or what they think that they desirve. my point is that there is a legal way of going about things. alot of you have said that having a more diversified country will help strenghten this country. please tell me in what way? i read in a document that in califonia , specifically los angeles, that the police department did not want to even acknowledge that the high crime rate was due to the growing population of the hispanic gangs. they are afriad that there would be a backlash from the hispanics, like the rodney king inccident. all i have to say is that if you wait your turn to come here, then you will soon reep the benefits of being a legal citizen. and the indians, we are giving the reparations for what we did to them,and it was wrong, but everyone else was taken over rightfully. by that i mean that that is how every country obtained what they have today. war is every where so face it. i believe that the americans only do not work in the feilds because the illegals are there to do it for us. if they were not there then we would have to do it. this is what everyone ende up with because of where you came from and what your ancestors did to give you what you have today, so shut up and deal with it. i know this one illegal who was here on a visiting visa and it expired. she had two jobs and sent american money home to mexico. that money should stay in the US, instead of going back to your country and for this our country’s economy is slipping. you illegal immigrants are taking advantage of our niceness and now we as americans need to retaliate.

Enzo — May 18, 2005 at 12:04 am

Well while some of u say that there is a process to become al legal citizen there really isn’t that’s what we need in this country clear laws to become a citizen. A new reform i don’t think we need a Amnesty but what we need is a process of picking the inmmigrants that deserve to stay here the ones that have worked hard and can prove it. And you say that we illegal immigrnats are takin advantage of ur niceness what are u talking about about mexicans picking up your fruits for 2 dollars a day is that the kindness u refer too.

kimberly — May 25, 2005 at 11:20 pm

Hey, There couln’t be a harder topic. But when a person makes a comment that illegal children are getting free education, that is false. I don’t think that people realize that the government takes federal and state taxes from illegals paychecks, not only that but they never get a dime back. Therfore that money stays in the economy and helps with schools and exc. I fell that illegal children are geting punished for the actions of their parents. The illegal children will grow up their whole lives with OUR way of life but of course they are illegal therfore they can get deported at any moment. Can you imagine being brought here when you were young then going though OUR WHOLE education system to realize that it was all for nothing, because you are illegal. IT’s sad and then those children get deported. They KNOW NOTHING about the way of life in thier home land. WHAT WERE WE WHEN WE FIRST CAME HERE? We are all illegals! We came here for a better life. I would rather die trying than letting my family die because I did nothing. belive me, I get both sides because I am 1/2 mexican and the other 1/2 white.
Life is hard but we need to do something that is FAIR. Theose Who grow up with OUR way of life should get In State tuition. And That is only my opinion .
~kim~ 16yrs Salem, Oregon

Laura — June 1, 2005 at 12:30 am

No illegal immigrant has a right to any thing in this country. I do not think it is fair for us to pay for their education, their foodstamps, or thier housing. If they can come to America legaly and with some kind of job skills, then lets open our arms and welcome them. Other than that - go home. Oh yes, take a class on the english language.

jay — June 2, 2005 at 1:49 pm

america got to where it is today because law and order of which the foundation of an advanced civilization. why all of sudden people want to destroy what makes us great? illegal immigrants by definition is illegals. we should have enforced law against those who disrespects it including the illegal immigrants and people who hire them. As for in-state tuition, 50% of my fellow NYU friends are foreigners, they pay full tuitions. If someone is smart enought to get accepted into a college, they should pay the tuition what other people is paying. There should NOT be any preference treatment given to illegals, after all, they are foreign-students. Otherwise, all the other foreign students would rater become illegals.
Another thing, I do agree with some posts here by the illegals such that most american borns are spoiled and lazy. Majority of the top A students in my class are dominated by the europeans, asian americans, and american jews. american whites are almost no where to be found.

edd — June 11, 2005 at 12:18 am

well luis, i agree with you, i understand that it can be hard to organize and rise up against the government that you don’t agree with. but just because these people don’t agree with how their government runs their country does not give them the right to enter into another country illegally. it does not give them the right to jump in line when thousand and millions of other immigrants had to be patient and wait years to come to this country legally. why don’t illegals deserve drivers liscenses because they work so hard cleaning our offices, working in the farms for less than minimum wage with no benefits? you know, my uncle lives in alabama, he was born in the philippines and he owns an office cleaning company that he started from scratch while serving in the army. he is now retired from the army and spends most days playing golf because his business is thriving. he has government contracts to clean offices throughout mobile alabama. he is able to do this because he does not have the competition from illegal aliens undercutting his contracts. he pays his employees fair wages and they all benefit from it. he wouldn’t be able to have this business in california because of all of the illegal workers. do you really think california or america would cease to function if there were no illegals cleaning offices or picking fruit in the fields? i highly doubt it. perhaps the price of fruit would go up but there would always be a company to offer services with fair wages to pick up where the illegals left off. on top of that, wages would most likely go up since there would be fewer taxes going to free tuition for illegals or free health care for illegals. i don’t feel illegals should have any rights to u.s. drivers liscenses until they obtain their legal citizeship, the taxes taken from your paycheck can be distributed to the free education being obtain by the hundreds of mexicans going to school in san diego while they cross the border from tiajuana. i can respect your views however i completely disagree with most of them. america may have taken the land from mexicans or latinos years ago but then again there was a time when the mongols ruled most or the world and the germans took over most of europe but you don’t here them complaining about losing their land now…bottom line, america took that land generations ago when they had the power to take it…generations have passed and america still has the power to keep it. if the mexican government feels it wants to take california, texas and the other states it once owned back and succeeded in doing so, i would have no problem with that. i wouldn’t like it but if these states were once again controlled by mexico i would either leave or abide by the new rules set forth by the ruling government.

Julian — June 28, 2005 at 2:09 am

To all of you assholes against illegal immigrants, let me remind you that this country is made by immigrants, the only difference from the beginning of the US as a nation and now is that now there’s a lot of paperwork to be done. You selfish people take everything for granted and dont realize that people in the world should get their fair chance to fight for a better life and education, just like your ancesters did.
You all must realize too that without those illegal immigrants you so much despise, the US economy would fall apart. We rely on them to do many many jobs that you self proclaimed white people -even though you have darker skin and asian eyes like those who posted up on top- would not do. Stop the ignorance you people. The illegal population is growing, so you might as well have them educated. And for one time stop thinking about you and you and you, selfish fucks.

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Pilar — July 22, 2005 at 11:28 am

I’m one of those thousands of illegal students that is struguling to get throught college. It is very expesive and I can’t have any financial aid to pay school. My family can not afford such expense however, I love to go to school while others who could have the benefits of scholarships or finacial aid do not even take the advantage. Yes, I seen many people drop up classes because it was too hard for them. I guess they are just lazy and do not even want to try hard. We could be immigrants but it does not mean that we are not smart. It is not an issue of learning English because instead or knowing one language we could speak, write and read fluently en 2 languages that it is a great advantage. Why don’t let us to go to school and be beneficial to the community. Hospitals need nurses and doctors very importat “Bilingual”. So for those that think that immigrant are ignorants well let me tell you we are smart and care about the community do not think we are taking away opportunities for those Americans that do not even take advantage of what they have.

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18 yrs old alien — July 25, 2005 at 6:10 pm

I must inform you this, I was quite disappointed to hear such comments from both parties. I am a deaf illegal immigrant. My family entered the country illegally because of me in order to give me a better education and life. There are times I wondered whether it would be for the best if we just turn and go back to where we belong. Most often, I have come to a realization that we simply couldn’t. Not after everything we have worked so hard for to come crashing down. My parents aren’t drug dealers, gang members, or fruit pickers. My father recieved his college degree in Mexico and is working for the NAFTA. My mother works as a manager at a moving company. We pay taxes. We pay our own medical insurance. We live pretty well off and we absolutely never take a single penny we know do not belong to us. We give back to America because it gave back to us in several ways that we will always hold dear and close to our hearts. Please keep in mind that we aren’t any different from you and we only want what is the best for ourselves and our children. The only difference is we aren’t considered citizens because we aren’t born in the land of god-given freedom nor have a green card (in which we are currently working on right now).

With that said, I will also bring up the fact that I do agree partially with some of you. Illegals should not be given “free stuff” that they do NOT work for; as same said goes for legals. I DO believe in the ethic of hard work. We aren’t a bunch of lazy “beaners” or “wetbacks,” to put in simple terms.

I graduated from high school a month ago. I will be attending an university who is AWARE of my situation and is doing everything in their power to help me out. I might recieve a scholarship AS AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT. My goal is to help improve the economic lives of illegals in the USA AND lobbying for a better quality of life for those struggling in Mexico. I definitely don’t want to them flocking to the United States when there is potential for them in their home country. That is something Mexico NEEDS to change, and it cannot change without the help of America.

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diana — July 31, 2005 at 3:49 am

hi my name is diana and i am a 17 yr old immigrant senior in high school.i came to this country a decade ago and was too young to realize i was breaking the law to come here.i did not have a choice.i think more people should agree with the in state tuition because there are people like me that would like to go to college. im a straight A’s student and in the national honor society and also attend a community college while in high school.i live in texas and my college counselor made me aware of this law and told me it will take effect once i recieve my high school diploma and i am thankful for everyone that has made this possible. and ALL YOU OTHER PEOPLE saying we are taking your free money think twice bc my mother has 2 jobs and 3 children and pays taxes like EVERYONE does plus i have other friends that are legally here who quit school are sent to juvi or rehab or get pregnant is that what ALL YOU OTHER PEOPLE want as your FUTURE??? I guess you really want this great country to fall apart like yall said we would do it its your own people that will do it

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