Illegal aliens; ineligibility for in-state tuition and educational benefits. (SB434)

Introduced By

Sen. Jill Holtzman Vogel (R-Winchester) with support from co-patron Sen. Ralph Smith (R-Roanoke)

Progress

Introduced
Passed Committee
Passed House
Passed Senate
Signed by Governor
Became Law

Description

In-state tuition and educational benefits for unlawful aliens. Provides that an alien who is unlawfully present in the United States shall not be eligible on the basis of residency within Virginia for any postsecondary educational benefit including, but not limited to, in-state tuition and state financial aid, unless citizens or nationals of the United States are eligible for such benefits in no less an amount, duration, and scope, without regard to whether such citizens or nationals are Virginia residents. Read the Bill »

Status

01/31/2008: Failed to Pass in Committee

History

DateAction
01/08/2008Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/09/08 086554338
01/08/2008Referred to Committee on Education and Health
01/23/2008Assigned Education sub: Higher Education
01/23/2008Impact statement from DPB (SB434)
01/31/2008Passed by indefinitely in Education and Health (9-Y 6-N) (see vote tally)

Comments

CG2 Consulting, tracking this bill in Photosynthesis, notes:

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.

Mary Steele Yorktown VA writes:

There should be no tuition or higher education for any illegal. People are legally waiting their turn outside this country, and they should not be put ahead of them.

Anonymous writes:

You are mixing too many thoughts together at once Mary.

You want the undocumented to pay no tuition?

What does higher education have to do with being put in front of anyone?

They may benefit more from higher education than yourself.

Alanna Almeda writes:

These students could very well be future citizens. Education benefits everyone. If they have graduated from a Virginia high school, can prove minumum residency requirements, have paid Virginia state taxes themselves or if their parents have then they should receive in-state tuition rates.