Immigrant-tuition bill moves forward April 7, 2005
The Senate Education Committee on Wednesday approved a bill that would extend in-state tuition to undocumented immigrants.
The Oregon University System supports Senate Bill 769, saying that it would draw students who normally couldn't afford college. It would apply only to Oregon high school graduates who intend to apply for citizenship.
An analysis by the Legislative Fiscal Office found that it would cost the state $460,000 in the next two years.
The committee voted 3-1 to pass the bill to the budget committee. Sen. Charles Starr, a Hillsboro Republican, said earlier in the day that he would have voted against it years ago but now has different feelings.
"If we don't educate them, they'll continue to struggle in minimum-wage jobs and fail to make the contribution to the state and nation that they would if they had a college education," Starr said.
Opponents say that the bill might be nullified by a pending federal court case out of Kansas. Opponents there say that if illegal immigrants are allowed in-state tuition, all citizens of any state should have the same benefit.