It is estimated that the bill's provisions would increase the number of illegal immigrants applying for admission.Īssemblyman Michael Carroll, a Republican, questioned the validity of a bill that improves illegal immigrants' access to education when their illegal status prohibits them from giving back to the state in a meaningful way. The New Jersey Office of Legislative Services said the bill would not affect state revenue because the state does not collect revenue from public colleges and universities. "Then they stop because they can't afford to go to a four-year institution." They're really good about going to class," Ryan said. "The undocumented kids have a tough time anyway. Jeremiah Ryan, president of Bergen Community College in Huttle's district, supports the bill. "These students have been here for decades, have gone through the school system here and should pay the same as their counterparts who have gone through school with them," she said. But you are not legal and you are not entitled," Thompson said.Īssemblywoman Valerie Huttle, a Democrat, expressed frustration with misconceptions of the bill that label it as a "free ride" or "state-funded" education. "You can call it undocumented, you can call it whatever you want. Samuel Thompson, a Republican New Jersey assemblyman But you are not legal and you are not entitled.
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You can call it undocumented, you can call it whatever you want. Thompson believes illegal immigrants do not have the right to a reduced tuition. citizens who attend New Jersey colleges and universities but don't live in the state. New Jersey Assemblyman Samuel Thompson, a Republican, said the bill discriminates against U.S. In 2008, Oklahoma ended its support for in-state tuition for students who are in the United States illegally. There are similar laws in California, Illinois, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah and Washington. If signed into law, the bill would be the 11th of its kind. To qualify under the bill, New Jersey high school graduates who are illegal immigrants must be enrolled at a public university or college and file an affidavit with the institution stating that they have applied for legal immigration status or will do so when eligible. On Thursday, a Senate vote on the legislation was postponed.Īfter hours of heated debate January 4, the bill passed the Assembly Appropriations Committee, 7-4, and the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, 8-6. Christie, a Republican who takes office January 19, has said he opposes the bill.
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Supporters hope to pass the measure before Democratic Gov. (CNN) - Both houses of the New Jersey legislature plan to vote Monday on a controversial bill backed by Democrats that would qualify illegal immigrants for in-state tuition at public colleges and universities. To qualify, immigrants must be enrolled, must apply for legal status or say they'll do so.GOP critic: Bill discriminates against some U.S.Democratic backer: Students "should pay the same as their counterparts".