IMMIGRATION: Tuition breaks revived

State lawmakers rarely make a move without checking to see what California is doing, so it's surprising they continue to push tuition breaks for illegal aliens enrolled at public colleges and universities.

In 2001, California did what Connecticut is considering: passed a law that allows illegals to pay in-state, rather than out-of-state rates. The decision came despite overwhelming public opposition. A Luntz poll found 73 percent of Californians still were against the scheme two years after its implementation, in large part because it further enticed illegals to call California home.

Besides excluding one California student for each illegal alien admitted to the California university system and giving lawbreakers a benefit worth more than $50,000 over four years, the state is discriminating against students from 49 other states who pay out-of-state rate. The law violates the 14th Amendment and the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, which specifically prohibits states from giving preferences to illegals over U.S. citizens. Realizing this, 47 out-of-state students sued the California university system in 2005 seeking refunds for tuition overpayments. The class action seeks up to $300,000 in total damages each for up to 60,000 students.

To try to placate the plaintiffs, California reduced its out-of-state rate by about 25 percent in 2005-06. Taxpayers have been forced to make up for the lost revenue, estimated at $75 million a year and rising. The plaintiffs were unmoved by this faux generosity, and the case seems destined for a date with the U.S. Supreme Court. If the plaintiffs prevail, California would pay as much as $18 billion in damages and billions more in legal fees, and rescind the tuition break for illegals or set a uniform rate that would be well above the $7,347 that in-state students will be charged in 2007-08.

So before Connecticut lawmakers get all juiced up about a bogus, unscientific poll showing 53 percent of residents support giving tuition breaks to illegal aliens, they should consider whether pandering to illegals is worth the financially crippling consequences.

Perhaps you’ve seen this one, it’s making the rounds here.

Dear Congressman;

As a native (insert state here) and excellent customer of the Internal Revenue Service, I am writing to ask for your assistance. I have contacted the Department of Homeland Security in an effort to determine the process for becoming an illegal alien and they referred me to you.

My primary reason for wishing to change my status from U.S. Citizen to illegal alien stems from the bill which was recently passed by the Senate and for which you voted. If my understanding of this bill’s provisions is accurate, as an illegal alien who has been in the United States for five years, all I need to do to become a citizen is to pay a $2,000 fine and income taxes for three of the last five years. I know a good deal when I see one and I am anxious to get the process started before everyone figures it out.

Simply put, those of us who have been here legally have had to pay taxes every year so I’m excited about the prospect of avoiding two years of taxes in return for paying a $2,000 fine. Is there any way that I can apply to be illegal retroactively? This would yield an excellent result for me and my family because we paid heavy taxes in 2004 and 2005.

Additionally, as an illegal alien I could begin using the local emergency room as my primary health care provider. Once I have stopped paying premiums for medical insurance, my accountant figures I could save almost $10,000 a year.

Another benefit in gaining illegal status would be that my daughter would receive preferential treatment relative to her law school applications, as well as “in-state” tuition rates for many colleges throughout the United States for my son.

Lastly, I understand that illegal status would relieve me of the burden of renewing my driver’s license and making those burdensome car insurance premiums. This is very important to me given that I still have college age children driving my car.

If you would provide me with an outline of the process to become illegal (retroactively if possible) and copies of the necessary forms, I would be most appreciative. Thank you for your assistance.

John Doe

I've been going to college for 7 years (part-time) to increase my degree. I fell 1k short of qualifying for grants....and had to pay premium tuition since I live 1/2 mile from the county where the college is located.

I've had to work myself to the bone....borrow student loans and go through alot of hardships to do this, while I watch the "less fortunate" who have their education given to them...sleep in class, skip half the semester and turn in shoddy homework (if at all). Very frustrating.

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