Governor Signs In-State Tuition Bill for Illegals

Students who are in the country illegally can now qualify for in-state tuition at Connecticut's state's universities, if they meet some requirements set by state law. 

Gov. Dannel Malloy held a ceremonial signing of the in-state tuition bill on Thursday at Wilbur Cross High School in New Haven, the first city in the country to offer ID cards to illegal immigrants.

To qualify for in-state tuition, students must have graduated from a Connecticut high school and file a statement with the college saying they have applied, or will apply, to become a legal citizen.

As the bill was working through the state Legislature, the bill received a lot of support, but also much opposition.

“At a time when we need to be helping our state’s young men and women prepare for an ever-changing economy and compete with their counterparts in China, Japan and elsewhere, helping make a college degree more accessible and affordable for those students who choose to pursue one is critically important,” Malloy said. “These are children who live in Connecticut, contribute to our economy and are part of the fabric of our state. This bill isn’t controversial, it’s common sense.”

Senate Majority Leader Martin Looney, (D-New Haven, Hamden) fought for the legislation.

“The concept is simple: all state residents and graduates of Connecticut high schools should be able to attend community colleges and state universities at the in-state tuition rate regardless of their immigration status," Looney said. "This law will help higher education become accessible for deserving, hard working students who are pursuing the American Dream and ensure that these young adults don’t suffer for a decision their parents made very long ago.”

Opponents said state money should not fun education for students in the country illegally.

"This law actually punishes those who play by the rules and pay their taxes," State Senator Rob Kane (R-Watertown), said in a statement. "Your sons, daughters, grandsons and granddaughters — students in the State of Connecticut who are here legally — are going to lose spots at UConn or in the state university system because those who are undocumented may now take those spots."

Kane called the law "yet another smack in their face" to overburdened middle-class families. 

Ten states have enacted similar legislation, Werner Oyanadel, acting executive director of the Latino and Puerto Rican Affairs Commission, testified.

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