Proposed Bill Could Change Tuition Rates for Illegal Immigrants
By: KARK 4 News
Updated: March 11, 2013
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- One of the hundreds of bills filed before the deadline on Monday would allow children of illegal immigrants to attend Arkansas universities at the in-state tuition rate.
Senator Joyce Elliott has unsuccessfully tried to pass similar legislation twice before.
Senate Bill 915 says any student who graduated from and attended an Arkansas high school for three years will be charged the in-state rate.
Right now those students face out-of-state tuition rates, which are more expensive.
"This is one thing we can do regarding these kids," says Senator Elliott. "We can't change immigration law, we can't tell Washington what to do, but we do have authority to decide who is going to go to our colleges and under what conditions."
The legislation currently has bi-partisan support, including a Republican co-sponsor.
Senator Joyce Elliott has unsuccessfully tried to pass similar legislation twice before.
Senate Bill 915 says any student who graduated from and attended an Arkansas high school for three years will be charged the in-state rate.
Right now those students face out-of-state tuition rates, which are more expensive.
"This is one thing we can do regarding these kids," says Senator Elliott. "We can't change immigration law, we can't tell Washington what to do, but we do have authority to decide who is going to go to our colleges and under what conditions."
The legislation currently has bi-partisan support, including a Republican co-sponsor.
Comments
I am confused by other comments. When I read the article I understood it to say they are charging them in state rates, and not that they are giving them something free. Children can't help what there parents choose to do illegally. Every child has the right to an education, and this law would help them to get that. They are not taking money from other Americans.
Candyce m.
March 12, 2013 at 8:22 am
If the word illegal immigrant begins the article or bill the answer to it should be no. There are too many legal Americans that need those spots. Every spot for an illegal takes a spot from a legal. Parents should have thought about the college thing during the three years they attended our public schools for free. Good grief I can't believe this is even a issue. Can you imagine any other country in the civilized world giving their country away more than America?
Rachel M.
March 11, 2013 at 6:34 pm
Wrong, wrong, wrong!!!!! They are here illegally. We have pampered them enough. If they want an educastion here in Arkansas or any other state in America, make them show that green card! Be more concerned about our poverty stricken children that would like to go to college. Our kids should always come first!
DeLois L.
March 11, 2013 at 6:22 pm
