HOUSTON - Gov. Rick Perry said a state law allowing illegal immigrant students to pay in-state college tuition serves a good purpose, and he will fight efforts to repeal the measure. Perry signed the bill six years ago, and state lawmakers have filed at least four bills seeking to end the policy. Critics have said it gives a financial advantage to illegal immigrants while U.S. citizens who are not Texas residents still must pay out-of-state tuition rates, which are higher.
Under the law, any student who has lived in Texas at least three years and graduated from a Texas high school qualifies for in-state tuition. The law also requires noncitizens to promise to apply for citizenship.
"I'm for leaving the law like it is because I think it serves a good purpose," Perry said.
Texas was one of the first states to pass an in-state tuition bill for illegal immigrants. Ten states currently have such laws, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
About 3,800 children of immigrants got in-state tuition in 2004, less than 1 percent of students in Texas colleges and universities.