Student aid bill at final hurdle (illegals)

San Jose Mercury News ^ | Sep. 07, 2006 | Jessie Mangaliman

[Mount Athos]

A controversial bill that would allow illegal immigrants to get state financial aid while attending California's public colleges and universities is now in the hands of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who has until the end of this month to sign or veto.

The bill's author, state Sen. Gil Cedillo, D-Los Angeles, called on the governor Wednesday to ``invest in California's future'' by signing SB 160, also called the California DREAM Act, into law. Opponents say the state should not give money to lawbreakers.

While Schwarzenegger has not taken a position on the bill, he has previously shown some inclination to extend state support to the children of illegal immigrants.

The governor has supported an existing state law, passed in 2002, which now allows undocumented students in California to pay in-state tuition rates in public colleges and universities. Tuition for non-California residents is about 10 times higher.

Earlier this year, Schwarzenegger unsuccessfully tried to boost funding for health care programs for children who are here illegally. He has said that children cannot choose where they live and therefore their fate shouldn't be politicized.

The governor declined to say whether he would apply the same reasoning to the financial aid bill.

``You have to see the way it is written,'' he said at an unrelated bill-signing ceremony Wednesday. ``That is why I say I have to really look at it when it comes down to my desk. Then I can address that.''

The Legislature approved SB 160 on Aug. 31, voting largely along party lines with Democrats in support. If it becomes law, undocumented students who graduate from California high schools would be eligible to compete for state financial aid. Students attending state community colleges could apply to have their fees waived.

[sheana]

I have never understood spending state (taxpayer) dollars to educate illegal immigrants. When/if they finally get their degrees it is still ILLEGAL for them to work here!

I think Arnold will sign this bill. He has a soft spot for illegal children. He wants to educate them and give them health care. The only way he won't sign it is if he is pressured enough.

[Disambiguator]

Opponents say the state should not give money to lawbreakers.

The fact that Democrats support this speaks volumes about them and their agenda.

[MrEdd]

And the money spent on a student deported mid semester accomplishes - what exactly?

[fantom]

The offer as it stands should also be available to any immigrant as well as every American citizen

[John Jorsett]

Any bill emerging from the legislature that ends in the digits '60' should be vetoed without even looking at it.

[John Jorsett]

If this is signed, under federal law California will have to offer the same rates to all legal US residents.

[norton]

Very simple to resolve:
Charge NO admission fees - to any applicant,
Accept all applicants,
Give each incoming student a new DELL with DSL,
Put all texts on line,
Hope they don't spend all their time playing Minesweeper;

Go to bank,
Repeat as necessary.

Run for re-election if you have the sense of humor for it.

[Disambiguator]

And the money spent on a student deported mid semester accomplishes - what exactly?

It helps white liberals with their feelings of guilt. It's all about feelings.

[Heartland Mom]

What about the Equal Protection Clause?

[gubamyster]

ping

[VOA]

I have never understood spending state (taxpayer) dollars to educate illegal immigrants.

IIRC, during Chief Justice Roberts' vetting, it was found that he
wrote a memo recommending the Justice Dept. (under Reagan) should
intervene in the case that eventually enshrined this misguided policy
into law.

So, at least one of the brightest legal minds of the age realized
how insane it is to pay good money to educate illegals.
(But of course, the real problem is educating anchor babies...
who are citizens by a transparent fraud committed by their mothers...
and thanks to a certain interpretation of the Constitution)

[VOA]

If this is signed, under federal law California will have to offer the
same rates to all legal US residents.

I'm no lawyer, but I think that the real answer is...
Yes and No.
Yes, if the federal law was obeyed.

No, because some states simply ignore Federal law and give illegals
benefits not offered to legal residents/citizens.

There is a law professor at Univ. Missouri at Kansas City trying to
get the law enforced.

And IIRC, there was a provision in the "comprehensive immigration (AMNESTY)
package" that would have simply eliminated that federal law requiring
any benefit offered to illegals to also be offered to legal residents
(in other words, simply continue the current real-world status quo).

I welcome comment/correction on what I've said.

[sheana]

This is California. Illegals don't have to worry about being deported.

[MrEdd]

Oh that's right I forgot. Sorry - I'm in Texas where they still don't get deported if they are in Austen or Dallas (but Fort Worth is making theirs all flee to Dallas for benefits, and Parkland Hospital is beginning to sag under the weight - so expect a change of tune in Dallas).

[John Jorsett]

Congressman Brian Bilbray is also involved in sueing California to enforce the 1996 law. He moved back to CA when he won a special election and brought his son and daughter who are enrolled in the state college system. Since they didn't attend CA schools recently, they're being charged out-of-state tuition rates, even though illegal aliens are eligible for in-state rates.

[Tammy8]

I do not agree with any state or the federal government paying for college education for illegals. The money would have to come from somewhere- I believe it would come out of money earmarked for legal students.

There are many citizens who do not feel they can afford to go to college, it would be a terrible mistake to give money to illegals.

[Uncle Hal]

Arnold is up for reelection, he will sign it. Guaranteed.

[CottonBall]

Arnold is up for reelection, he will sign it. Guaranteed.

I thought the opposite. He was elected based on his not giving illegals drivers' licences, so he knows where his base is. Actually, I thought he'd put it off until after the elections. He is a girlie-man on illegal immigration, after all.