This is the sixth session in which legislation has been introduced that would deny undocumented students access to higher education or deny in-state tuition even to such students who are trying to adjust their immigration status and who are Virginia taxpayers.

The bills have not passed for several good and compelling reasons.

First, the legislation is unnecessary.

There is little if any evidence that undocumented students are being admitted to four year colleges and no evidence that any are being granted in-state tuition. Those attending at out of state rates are, by law, paying the full cost of their education (i.e., there is no taxpayer subsidy) and they are not competing with in-state students for space.

Second, the legislation is anti-opportunity. It denies hope to children who are attending Virginia public schools and will lead to higher drop out rates and increased gang participation.

Finally, the legislation is at odds with Virginia's workforce needs which is why it is opposed by the Fairfax Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Washington Board of Trade, among others.

The General Assembly should reject this anti-immigrant, political brochure bill (and others like it sure to be introduced) again this year.

Nobody should attend our higher education institutes that is not a legal citizen or legal guest. We have to be more proactive in getting our own people educated or we will continue to lose the battle against China and other countries that have stronger education programs.

We can spend the money now, or pay a lot more later when those that are under paid will depend on social services to make ends meet. This cycle of poverty often carries from generation to generation.