H. 4451 -Illegal Immigrants and Education
January 11, 2008
Here’s “Education Reform” I think we all can agree on.
Do students here in our country illegally deserve access to our tax dollars to help with their college education?
Simply put, this bill makes certain that anyone “not lawfully present” in our state will not receive state assitance for their higher education.
I have to admit. Even though I serve on the Education and Public Works committee, I was not sure if our state was allowing illegal residents to use your tax dollars for their education. I can’t remember which Presidential Debate first brought this to my attention but when I learned one candidate had allowed illegal immigrants in his state to receive in-state tuiton and tax funded scholarships, I turned to my wife and asked “Wonder if we allow that here in SC?” (Note: I’m not going to link to that candidate. I don’t feel that is appropriate).
After having staff research this, we determined clarifying language should be used to close any loopholes.
There are currently several bills in the House and Senate dealing with illegal immigration and the impact it has on our state. It’s my hope H.4451 will become law on it’s own or through the inclusion (amendment, etc) in other legislation that makes it to the House and Senate chambers this year.
Am I wrong here? Please let me know your thoughts.
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6 Responses to “H. 4451 -Illegal Immigrants and Education”
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[…] the state to take action. We have unveiled a package of reforms that will include, among others, restrict illegal aliens’ access to public assistance, work to identify illegal immigrants who have committed crimes, and protect South Carolina’s […]
I represent a 20 year old honor graduate of Barnwell High School. He was born in Mexico and brought here at age 1 by his parents. He attends USC Aiken and pays out-of-state tuition while running his own business to pay for his education. He pays sales, property, and income taxes. He has no family in Mexico and has never been there. He is as American and you or I in language, outlook, respect for this country, and aspirations to better himself. Under the Speaker’s plan, and yours(?), you believe he should be barred from attending college and removed from this country with no ability to become a legal resident?
Jack, when you wrote he was brought here, was that legally or illegally?
That would direct my answer more; however, assuming he was an illegal immigrant, the bill I presented would simply ban him from receiving in-state tuition discount and scholarships. If he was legal, he would have the same access as other legal residents of South Carolina.
Thanks for writing. Please visit often.
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