Md. House passes bill to allow in-state tuition for illegal immigrants who meet conditions

[Skip_In_Boulder]

Source: Washington Post




By Associated Press, Friday, April 8, 6:57 PM

The Maryland House voted 74-66 on Friday for the measure after intense debate. The Senate already has passed similar legislation.

Democratic supporters say the legislation would create opportunity for people who have lived in Maryland for years and paid state taxes.

“It gives them an opportunity to become a productive member of our society, and I believe that’s what we all want,” said Delegate Aisha Braveboy, D-Prince George’s. “There are limitless opportunities in the future, and I want all children to have that.”

But Republican opponents said the measure rewards illegal behavior at taxpayers’ expense, while filling up seats at the state’s colleges that could be filled with citizens who are struggling to find work in a tough economy.

Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/md-house-passes-bill-to-allow-in-state-tuition-for-illegal-immigrants-who-meet-conditions/2011/04/08/AFvtdx3C_story.html

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At least one of the states is acting rationally

[hughee99]

1. A quick question, sort of on topic

Even if an "illegal"/"undocumented" immigrant and gets a PhD in Astrophysics, or nuclear engineering (or whatever else) isn't it still illegal to hire the person?

[Skip_In_Boulder]

3. Probably so

but you can hire him at half the cost.

[ncteechur]

4. It depends. If you are a farmer and pay the doctor $2 per hour while holding him/her

hostage by their status, then no. The republicans would say you could hire them.

Or if they work for Pfizer and discover a drug that the company steals from them without any acknowledgement or bonus. The republicans would say you could hire them.

Or if a republican would want to hire them to clean their house or tend their yard, the republicans would say they could do that, too.

[Unvanguard]

5. Most of these bills are partially in anticipation of a federal DREAM Act

that would legitimate the status of these youth.

[elleng]

2. ...

:thumbsup:

[pampango]

6. Wow, a state legislature with 2/3 Democratic majorities in both houses. Glad to see

them run counter to all the repub-controlled state legislatures that cater to the teabaggers by trying to outdo Arizona in terms of going after illegal immigrants.

Kudos to Maryland and the Democrats there. :)