Friday, May 14, 2004 - THIS year, nearly 7,500 qualified California residents -- who would otherwise be entering California state universities as incoming freshmen -- are likely to be turned away for lack of funds. Meanwhile, approximately 7,500 illegal immigrants will receive heavily subsidized university educations at a cost of between $45 million and $65 million annually at those same universities.
Under a law signed in 2001 by Gov. Gray Davis, an illegal alien who has graduated from a California high school after three years of attendance -- all while in violation of U.S. immigration laws -- is entitled to attend a community college or state university at the in-state tuition rate previously reserved for legal California residents.
The subsidy is substantial. At the University of California, proposed student fees for a California resident will be $6,028 next year. Non-residents will pay the full cost of $22,504. The difference is paid by California taxpayers.
Why do legislators of both parties continue to defend this law at a time when thousands of California citizens are about to be turned away from their own university system?
LH423 From Canada, joined Jul 1999, 6501 posts, RR: 55 Reply 1, posted (9 years 4 days 1 hour ago) and read 714 times:
While I definitely don't defend illegal immigrants getting a free ride when they move to this country illegally, I have to say that if tax dollars should be spent on anything it should be education. I think the mentality is that while it's true they're here illegally, we might as well educate them so that they don't fall into a life of welfare and/or crime.
Again, I'm not defending the actions, I think I can understand the reasoning.
LH423
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Dontlikeairbus From United States of America, joined Feb 2004, 85 posts, RR: 0 Reply 7, posted (9 years 3 days 23 hours ago) and read 670 times:
"They are about $2000 a quarter...still a damn steal for a world class education at places like Berkeley or UCLA."
I agree
I really cant feel sorry for UC and Cal State students nor do i care about illegals when my University charges 500 bucks a credit for the same level of education as a UC
hey if i have to finish with massive loans why cant my fellow UCers?
people should pester their federal goverment to put aside more money for college
im sure we could squeeze out a few more bucks somewhere in that 2 trillion dollar budget that way illegals wouldnt be the only ones benefitting
N6376m From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 13, posted (9 years 3 days 22 hours ago) and read 650 times:
Marcus of course you can. You're Mexican. According to NC you probably stole the money (and in addition to being a thief, you're a bad driver [with no car insurance] and probably belong in prison.)
AvObserver From United States of America, joined Apr 2002, 2430 posts, RR: 10 Reply 14, posted (9 years 3 days 17 hours ago) and read 624 times:
"I think the mentality is that while it's true they're here illegally, we might as well educate them so that they don't fall into a life of welfare and/or crime."
That probably IS the mentality, LH423, but it's seriously flawed. It's an outrage that is indefensible, indeed, why do legislators try to? Another good reason for Gray Davis to have been booted out of office. How can anyone justify subsidizing education for illegals while legal CA residents who can't afford it get turned away? Who in government makes such decisions and WHY? Illegal aliens should be identified and deported, PERIOD! We welcome immigrants to this country but they must go through the process of becoming citizens before they're deserving of such state taxpayer aid. To allow senseless laws like this is to capitulate to the illegal immigration problem, not doing something to allieviate it. If this is an example of the competency of California lawmakers and Davis, perhaps the state is in better hands with a political neophyte like Arnold Schwartzneggar. All prospective resident low-income CA students should be in open rebellion about this ridiculous law!
AvObserver From United States of America, joined Apr 2002, 2430 posts, RR: 10 Reply 16, posted (9 years 3 days 16 hours ago) and read 608 times:
B747-437B, we're talking about ILLEGAL immigrants here, NOT 'legal permanent residents'. This is about people who came over the border clandestinely without documentation. It's a huge problem in the lower southwestern U.S. You're correct that not everyone applies for citizenship and I'm sorry I generalized but I believe the majority do become citizens. Of course, non-citizens who live here legally and pay taxes should have a right to this aid but after all, they're here legally so we do agree on that, okay?
AvObserver From United States of America, joined Apr 2002, 2430 posts, RR: 10 Reply 18, posted (9 years 3 days 15 hours ago) and read 598 times:
I haven't done it in awhile, VonRichtofen, but I may go back soon for new I.T. training. That's not the same as going to a college or university but I think getting loans is similar in principle. Stafford loans were fairly easy to arrange, sorry, I don't remember the terms. There was another type of bank loan I was able to get. Low-income folks can also apply for Pell grants, which, of course, don't get paid back. Standards were tightened up awhile back after a rash of student loan defaults generated by specialized schools, some of dubious credentials but it's still not all that difficult to get financial aid if you qualify.
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