Illegal Immigrants get cheaper in-state tuition

[RACER X]

HOUSTON -- In 2001, Texas lawmakers passed a law allowing illegal immigrants to qualify for much cheaper in-state tuition, and a woman who took advantage of the opportunity says it changed her life.

Illegal immigrants account for about 1 percent of all Texas college students. Texas A&M graduate Rosi Rodriguez says she was one of them.

'It's a success story because I went into college as an illegal immigrant," Rodriguez said. “Everyone is like, 'What’s your Social?' I'd be like, 'I don't have one.'"

Rodriguez graduated fourth in her high school class and gained automatic acceptance to Texas A&M -- and $50,000 in private scholarships.

She says without in-state tuition, she'd never have been able to get a degree.

'It was so special it makes me want to cry right now, again,” she said. "With my situation there were plenty of times that I was like, ‘I want to dropout, I can't take it. This is too much for me."

Rodriguez’s parents are in the U.S. legally, thanks to an amnesty program. She and her six siblings are split. Half were born here, half were not.

She said college was a distant dream for her family.

"They have like no background in college education, so I was like on my own for everything," she said.

Rodriguez said she understands the immigration debate better than most and knows exactly how important education is to people.

"Where would I be? I don't even want to imagine," she said.

In her final semester, Rodriguez got her green card -- a process as tough as school, she said. All along, she heard the talk from some Aggies who wondered why she was there at all.

"I'm glad I never listened to them. I'm glad I never paid attention to those harsh comments," she said.

She'd be happy to testify to the student senate now and said she has plenty to say.

"We are all Aggies here and being an illegal immigrant doesn't make me less of an Aggie," she said.

COLLEGE STATION, Texas -- Dozens of protestors gathered on the Texas A&M campus Wednesday while the student government erupted in a heated debate over a student bill opposing in-state tuition for illegal immigrants.

“I think it means we’re working on issues that really matter to people,” said Justin Pulliam, a student senator who proposed the bill.

He said it’s just a matter of fairness.

“It just isn’t fair that someone who’s in this country illegally gets in-state tuition, when legal US citizens living outside of the state have to pay thousands more,” he said.

In fall of 2009, records show Texas A&M had 317 students without Social Security numbers paying in-state tuition -- roughly $5,152 for undergraduates.

Meanwhile, the university’s 7,026 out-of-state students paid a higher rate, about $19,552.

Freshman Stephanie Monjaraz says it’s the only way impoverished, illegal immigrants can afford an education.

“I saw my parents trying to make me successful,” she said.

A legal immigrant from Mexico, Monjaraz struggled to learn English when she arrived in the fifth grade. She eventually became a U.S. citizen, but sympathizes with those who can’t.

“I feel bad because they don’t even get a chance,” she said.

The student government plans to do further research on the student attitudes before putting the bill up for vote. If it does pass, they’ll send a group to Austin to lobby state lawmakers to change the rules.

The existing law does require immigrants to meet certain criteria before getting in-state tuition, including having lived in Texas for at least three years.

http://www.khou.com/news/In-State-Tuition-For-Illegal-Immigrants-92914259.html

[pauldun170]

Her immigration status is a federal issue but she IS a resident of Texas.
I don't have a problem with her qualifying for in-state tuition.

[shmike]

Her immigration status is a federal issue but she IS a resident of Texas.
I don't have a problem with her qualifying for in-state tuition.

So, she illegally entered the country but she is legal in the state?

[dubbs]

My question is, when they asked for her social and she was like "I don't have one" Why didn't the person like call INS?

[azoomm]

Her immigration status is a federal issue but she IS a resident of Texas.
I don't have a problem with her qualifying for in-state tuition.

I think the compounded problem of illegal immigration is that separate agencies have allowed immigration status to go unchecked [or have not cared] for too long.

Does she live here? Yes. If she isn't here legally, how can she be considered a legal resident? Is there a definition of "resident?"

[EpyonXero]

Citizenship has nothing to do with residency. If she fulfilled the requirements for residency, I dont have a problem with it.

[dubbs]

Citizenship has nothing to do with residency. If she fulfilled the requirements for residency, I dont have a problem with it.

I don't get that at all, if she's here illegally what does any of that matter?

She doesn't pay taxes, doesn't have a social, but if she gets hurt we all pay for it... Then on top of all that she gets cheaper tuition!

Something horribly wrong here..

[goof2]

Her immigration status is a federal issue but she IS a resident of Texas.
I don't have a problem with her qualifying for in-state tuition.

Has her family been subject to all the taxes and fees that subsidized her college education and paid for her primary education like legal residents are? I suspect not. That is part of my problem with it.

[azoomm]

I don't get that at all, if she's here illegally what does any of that matter?

She doesn't pay taxes, doesn't have a social, but if she gets hurt we all pay for it... Then on top of all that she gets cheaper tuition!

Something horribly wrong here..

THAT is what I don't understand.

[karl_1052]

Funny how all the people who are not against this don't live in that state.

[EpyonXero]

Funny how all the people who are not against this don't live in that state.

Im sure there are plenty of illegal immigrants getting in-state tuition at Florida colleges. Doesnt bother me.

[Smittie61984]

I don't get that at all, if she's here illegally what does any of that matter?

She doesn't pay taxes, doesn't have a social, but if she gets hurt we all pay for it... Then on top of all that she gets cheaper tuition!

Something horribly wrong here..

My guess is that some state representatives increased their voting block with this. That is all this is all about. The politicians (all sides) see an untapped resource. Millions of illegal residents who can't vote (unless in Chicago) and will vote for whomever promises them the most shit (at the cost of others of course).

[Homeslice]

"They have like no background in college education, so I was like on my own for everything," she said.
That education sure worked wonders.

[dubbs]

My guess is that some state representatives increased their voting block with this. That is all this is all about. The politicians (all sides) see an untapped resource. Millions of illegal residents who can't vote (unless in Chicago) and will vote for whomever promises them the most shit (at the cost of others of course).

How do they vote if they can't vote?

That education sure worked wonders.

Haha she used "like" in like every other word in her sentence.. :wtfru:

[Rangerscott]

I'm Texan. I'm white. I disapprove this.

[goof2]

How do they vote if they can't vote?

Some believe that legal hispanics will generally vote for politicians who support measures that help illegal immigrants. It doesn't hurt that the possibility exists for amnesty legislation to pass either. If it did, at some point those who can't currently vote would be granted citizenship and the right to vote.

[Rangerscott]

Some believe that legal hispanics will generally vote for politicians who support measures that help illegal immigrants. It doesn't hurt that the possibility exists for amnesty legislation to pass either. If it did, at some point those who can't currently vote would be granted citizenship and the right to vote.


From what I've been around its legal hispanics that have relatives in mexico that vote for illegal help. Surprisingly, a lot of legal hispanics don't give two shits about illegals or hate that they are over here.

[pauldun170]

Funny how all the people who are not against this don't live in that state.

I live in a state where illegal immigrants are a problem. Some pay taxes (taxpayer ID issued by consulate and are here on expired visas).

I see the issue of her getting an education and her status here in this country as two separate issues.

Her being here illegally = bad
Her getting an education = good
Her getting a discount as a resident of Texas = Good for Texas because having educated residents is a good thing for any state.

I am pretty confident in saying that those illegal immigrants that put in the work to pursue higher education are the same ones who also pursue legal status and contribute this society.

If they are putting in the effort to better themselves by going to college I'm willing to give them a shot at staying here vs sticking them in the penal system and shipping off to the shithole they came from...likely to repeat the same old cycle of sneaking in.

There are plenty of do nothing dumb ass citizens I'd love to deport.

[karl_1052]

Her getting a discount as a resident of Texas = Good for Texas because having educated residents is a good thing for any state.

This is where I have a problem. Because I was born in Canada, I got no breaks for school. My parents paid taxes(and so did I for 8 years before going into a post secondary education). When I applied for student loans, they refused me, because my parents made too much money(it did not matter that i was not even on speaking terms with them at the time).

Some yahoo from Ethiopia gets off a boat, gets a full medical exam, and and needed meds, gets a monthy cheque, is supplied a place to live and gets a free or discounted education.

I think it is great if they want to educate illegals willing to stay and contribute to society, but to give them a discount on the tax dollars of the populace is wrong.

[dubbs]

Some believe that legal hispanics will generally vote for politicians who support measures that help illegal immigrants. It doesn't hurt that the possibility exists for amnesty legislation to pass either. If it did, at some point those who can't currently vote would be granted citizenship and the right to vote.

Makes sense.. Kinda fucked up, but I'm sure it happens now that you mention it.

From what I've been around its legal hispanics that have relatives in mexico that vote for illegal help. Surprisingly, a lot of legal hispanics don't give two shits about illegals or hate that they are over here.

Surprisingly huh? :rofl:

[pauldun170]

This is where I have a problem. Because I was born in Canada, I got no breaks for school. My parents paid taxes(and so did I for 8 years before going into a post secondary education). When I applied for student loans, they refused me, because my parents made too much money(it did not matter that i was not even on speaking terms with them at the time).

Some yahoo from Ethiopia gets off a boat, gets a full medical exam, and and needed meds, gets a monthy cheque, is supplied a place to live and gets a free or discounted education.

I think it is great if they want to educate illegals willing to stay and contribute to society, but to give them a discount on the tax dollars of the populace is wrong.

Your inabilty to get student loans or the mystery ethiopian has nothing to do with someone qualifying for in-state tuition.


Someone shows to school administration with proof of residency (bills or forms proving they have lived in the state for the mandatory amount of time)


though its popular to paint all illegal immigrants as 80 freeloaders living under one shack milking the system that does not appear to be the case. Having an "illegal" status does automatically mean you do not pay taxes. It simply means that you have not gone through the immigration process.
I'm sure if a census were to be done on illegals you will find a lot of individual taxpayer identification numbers. You kind of need things like drivers licenses, bank accounts, credit cards etc etc if you want to get around in this country and ITI give illegals that ability. The trade off is that they pay taxes just like everyone else if they work at a "real job" vs standing on the corner waiting for the landscaping truck to come by. Of course you are going to have the ghosts who exist nowhere and live in a shed but with the amount crossing the border I find it hard to believe that every single illegal operates outside of the norm.
That being said, those who do pay taxes do not get a free ride and pay a cost since they do not get all the benefits. Considering that colleges require things like medical records, tax payer IDs or social security #'s for all students I'm going to say that any illegal going to college has at least an INI number. In order to qualify for student loans, you need proof of income (tax records).
If they do not have those they need to pay cash out of pocket which means it does not effect you as the tax payer and her qualifying for in state tuition has nothing to do with you. If the student can prove that they are a resident, can provide all documentation required to go to the school then what does it have to do with you? What affect does it have on you whether they are there with a green card or are there illegally. If they are getting an education in the state chances are they are smart enough to know that being a legal resident is the way to go.

If you want state university systems to answer to the INS ten that's your opinion. If the state decides to put the burden on universities to handle immigration investigation then you will surely be paying a hell of lot more as universities are forced to pass on the cost of handling immigration policy to every student. I will say that will be a hell of lot more than the cost of some students attending school with questional status.

[Homeslice]

It matters to me, because people who break the rules don't deserve the perks. Whether or not it affects me as a taxpayer is a separate issue.

[pauldun170]

It matters to me, because people who break the rules don't deserve the perks. Whether or not it affects me as a taxpayer is a separate issue.

Fair enough. Is it any rule or just immigration rules?

[Homeslice]

I guess I'd say any rule. I break the speed law all the time, but if I'm caught I don't claim that the penalty is a travesty of human rights.

I'm struggling to think of other examples where a large group of people sneaks into a group they don't belong to, and then claim the perks of that group.

OK here's one: People falsify their resume's all the time.........But at least when they get caught they just walk away in shame....They don't bitch and moan about their "rights". And opportunists like Sharpton don't jump to their defense claiming that their only wish was to become a good employee.

[pauldun170]

I guess I'd say any rule. I break the speed law all the time, but I don't claim that it's a travesty of human rights if I'm caught.

I'm struggling to think of other examples where a large group of people sneaks into a group they don't belong to, and then claim the perks of that group.

OK here's one: People falsify their resume's all the time.........But at least when they get caught they don't bitch and moan about non-existant "rights". And the hand-wringers don't jump to their defense claiming that their only wish was to become a good employee.

The issue in this case is not that the illegal in question is falsifying anything. The issue is whether it is the schools responsibility to investigate immigration status.

Schools I've gone to do not ask for "papers". They ask for tax forms and either SSID or Taxpayer#. there is no indication in the article that any party has done something wrong within the context of admission.

Are you a resident of this state? Yes
Can you prove that you are a resident of this state by showing required paperwork such as water\rent\phone bill and valid state license?

[karl_1052]

The issue in this case is not that the illegal in question is falsifying anything. The issue is whether it is the schools responsibility to investigate immigration status.

Schools I've gone to do not ask for "papers". They ask for tax forms and either SSID or Taxpayer#. there is no indication in the article that any party has done something wrong within the context of admission.

Are you a resident of this state? Yes
Can you prove that you are a resident of this state by showing required paperwork such as water\rent\phone bill and valid state license?

If they do not claim illegal status, then how do they get the discount?:?:

As for your other points, sure if they qualify they can go. My point was why should they get special treatment? I had to pay full price, you had to pay full price. Why should they get a break?

BTW, all they will do is raise tuition or get government grants, so you are paying for it.

[goof2]

The issue in this case is not that the illegal in question is falsifying anything. The issue is whether it is the schools responsibility to investigate immigration status.

Schools I've gone to do not ask for "papers". They ask for tax forms and either SSID or Taxpayer#. there is no indication in the article that any party has done something wrong within the context of admission.

Are you a resident of this state? Yes
Can you prove that you are a resident of this state by showing required paperwork such as water\rent\phone bill and valid state license?

The first story doesn't say anything about a taxpayer ID # but it did have the following: 'It's a success story because I went into college as an illegal immigrant," Rodriguez said. “Everyone is like, 'What’s your Social?' I'd be like, 'I don't have one.'"

It sure seems like she didn't have the basic information you were referring to. I don't care if a school gets duped through false "papers" with students. I also don't particularly care if they let illegals in who will be paying out of state tuition. I really don't care about Ms. Rodriquez receiving $50k in private scholarships either.

What bothers me is in order to get in state tuition a person usually has to establish legal residency in that state. It makes no sense that someone can establish legal residency in a state when they haven't even established legal residency in the country. Texas A&M decided to go all ass backwards (I guess that comes with being an "Aggie") and completely removed U.S. citizenship from their purview while at the same time making it harder than normal to establish residency in Texas for their purposes (36 months instead of the normal 12).

[pauldun170]

The first story doesn't say anything about a taxpayer ID # but it did have the following: 'It's a success story because I went into college as an illegal immigrant," Rodriguez said. “Everyone is like, 'What’s your Social?' I'd be like, 'I don't have one.'"

It sure seems like she didn't have the basic information you were referring to. I don't care if a school gets duped through false "papers" with students. I also don't particularly care if they let illegals in who will be paying out of state tuition. I really don't care about Ms. Rodriquez receiving $50k in private scholarships either.

What bothers me is in order to get in state tuition a person usually has to establish legal residency in that state. It makes no sense that someone can establish legal residency in a state when they haven't even established legal residency in the country. Texas A&M decided to go all ass backwards (I guess that comes with being an "Aggie") and completely removed U.S. citizenship from their purview while at the same time making it harder than normal to establish residency in Texas for their purposes (36 months instead of the normal 12).


How do you get into any university?
Can you remember the admissions process.

right now it would be helpful if the youngin on the board piped up.
You do not need a social security number to go to college nor is lack of a SS indicative of whether you are legal or not.

Example
http://www.admissions.txstate.edu/resources/forms.html

[pauldun170]

What bothers me is in order to get in state tuition a person usually has to establish legal residency in that state. It makes no sense that someone can establish legal residency in a state when they haven't even established legal residency in the country. Texas A&M decided to go all ass backwards (I guess that comes with being an "Aggie") and completely removed U.S. citizenship from their purview while at the same time making it harder than normal to establish residency in Texas for their purposes (36 months instead of the normal 12).

You do realize that anyone can be a legal resident of a state. Any foreign national can become a resident of a state following state guidelines and that is independent of federal guidelines.

Thats the case for many people.

[azoomm]

How do you get into any university?
Can you remember the admissions process.

right now it would be helpful if the youngin on the board piped up.
You do not need a social security number to go to college nor is lack of a SS indicative of whether you are legal or not.

Example
http://www.admissions.txstate.edu/resources/forms.html

I currently go to college in Texas with resident status. I needed to show proof of the address where I live - with more than a driver's license. They do not accept a driver's license or ID card because they are valid for 8 years. I needed to show a water bill, insurance bill, etc. that has my name on it. For someone under 18, their high school transcript with address is sufficient.

[pauldun170]

I currently go to college in Texas with resident status. I needed to show proof of the address where I live - with more than a driver's license. They do not accept a driver's license or ID card because they are valid for 8 years. I needed to show a water bill, insurance bill, etc. that has my name on it. For someone under 18, their high school transcript with address is sufficient.

Thanks for the info.

[azoomm]

Thanks for the info.

You're welcome.

They did require a SSN for me [I became an active studen almost 3 years ago]. And, my daughter registered last week, they required a SSN for her. Granted, since we both HAVE that to provide, there was no extra commentary in our situation. I cannot tell you what they actually say if it isn't provided.

[goof2]

How do you get into any university?
Can you remember the admissions process.

right now it would be helpful if the youngin on the board piped up.
You do not need a social security number to go to college nor is lack of a SS indicative of whether you are legal or not.

Example
http://www.admissions.txstate.edu/resources/forms.html

I understand that non citizens don't have SS numbers but when I was in school they just used their tax ID number as an alternative (because they were legal). It wasn't a big deal like Ms. Rodriguez makes it out to be. Because she makes it out to be a big deal I am making the assumption she doesn't have an alternative.

[pauldun170]

I understand that non citizens don't have SS numbers but when I was in school they just used their tax ID number as an alternative (because they were legal). It wasn't a big deal like Ms. Rodriguez makes it out to be. Because she makes it out to be a big deal I am making the assumption she doesn't have an alternative.

I'm sure the big deal for her is that she finished college which I believe is a big deal for anyone. She also expresses gratitude for the in-state tuition.

" In 2001, Texas lawmakers passed a law allowing illegal immigrants to qualify for much cheaper in-state tuition"

'It's a success story because I went into college as an illegal immigrant," - Rodriguez

"She says without in-state tuition, she'd never have been able to get a degree."

'It was so special it makes me want to cry right now, again,” she said. "With my situation there were plenty of times that I was like, ‘I want to dropout, I can't take it. This is too much for me."

She says without in-state tuition, she'd never have been able to get a degree.

'It was so special it makes me want to cry right now, again,” she said. "With my situation there were plenty of times that I was like, ‘I want to dropout, I can't take it. This is too much for me."

"In her final semester, Rodriguez got her green card -- a process as tough as school, she said. She heard the talk from some Aggies who wondered why she was there at all."

"I'm glad I never listened to them. I'm glad I never paid attention to those harsh comments,"

[goof2]

I'm sure the big deal for her is that she finished college which I believe is a big deal for anyone. She also expresses gratitude for the in-state tuition.

" In 2001, Texas lawmakers passed a law allowing illegal immigrants to qualify for much cheaper in-state tuition"

- Rodriguez

"She says without in-state tuition, she'd never have been able to get a degree."



She says without in-state tuition, she'd never have been able to get a degree.



"In her final semester, Rodriguez got her green card -- a process as tough as school, she said. She heard the talk from some Aggies who wondered why she was there at all."

The "big deal" I was talking about was in reference to her lack of a SS number. As far as the emotional arguement it doesn't hold much sway with me.:shrug:

[pauldun170]

The "big deal" I was talking about was in reference to her lack of a SS number. As far as the emotional argument it doesn't hold much sway with me.:shrug:

The problem is that there is no emphasis or any indication that she is making it a big deal in that comment.
It was an anecdote that went along with the the "I went into college as an illegal immigrant" statement." Its known as conversation filler.

If you have the full interview where the comment about SS is made to be a big deal then please post it.

[goof2]

The problem is that there is no emphasis or any indication that she is making it a big deal in that comment.
It was an anecdote that went along with the the "I went into college as an illegal immigrant" statement." Its known as conversation filler.

If you have the full interview where the comment about SS is made to be a big deal then please post it.

I am read more in to the statement than you did. Either way the girl's entire contribution to the story was an anectode designed to demonstrate something the author couldn't or wouldn't do with facts. Standing on its own Ms. Rodriguez's story is meaningless.

[pauldun170]

I am read more in to the statement than you did. Either way the girl's entire contribution to the story was an anectode designed to demonstrate something the author couldn't or wouldn't do with facts. Standing on its own Ms. Rodriguez's story is meaningless.

The law was changed in 2001 and Ms. Rodriguez's story was the personal testimony the reporter used. Rodriquez's story is not meaningless because it gives the reader a case study to go with the subject of the article.

With illegal immigration a big topic lately, the article is timely and relevant. the follow up on the 2001 law and using Rodriquez's testimony gives the reader more insight into an "in demand" topic.

The fact is that there are people who are taking advantage of the 2001 law and Rodriquez's story is the evidence supporting it.

You sir are being dickish on a simple article. Take it for what it is and stop letting the force control guide you in your interpretation of the articles intent.


UNCLENCH!!!!

[goof2]

The law was changed in 2001 and Ms. Rodriguez's story was the personal testimony the reporter used. Rodriquez's story is not meaningless because it gives the reader a case study to go with the subject of the article.

With illegal immigration a big topic lately, the article is timely and relevant. the follow up on the 2001 law and using Rodriquez's testimony gives the reader more insight into an "in demand" topic.

The fact is that there are people who are taking advantage of the 2001 law and Rodriquez's story is the evidence supporting it.

You sir are being dickish on a simple article. Take it for what it is and stop letting the force control guide you in your interpretation of the articles intent.


UNCLENCH!!!!

I understand that this is now legal in Texas. I still don't think it makes sense.

All Ms. Rodriguez's story does is demonstrate that the change benefitted Ms. Rodriguez. This is a technique politicians have jumped on as well. Using a single example only demonstrates something for that single example. It isn't used to show evidence of anything. It is used to put a human face on a policy or law. It is meant to be an emotional plea rather than a factual one.

[pauldun170]

I understand that this is now legal in Texas. I still don't think it makes sense.

All Ms. Rodriguez's story does is demonstrate that the change benefitted Ms. Rodriguez. This is a technique politicians have jumped on as well. Using a single example only demonstrates something for that single example. It isn't used to show evidence of anything. It is used to put a human face on a policy or law. It is meant to be an emotional plea rather than a factual one.

Its a newspaper article. People want to hear the human element to the story otherwise they wouldn't buy the paper.

[goof2]

Its a newspaper article. People want to hear the human element to the story otherwise they wouldn't buy the paper.

It was a TV station but the same would hold true, although fewer people are watching local TV news (or buying newspapers) anyway. As far as the human element is concerned it can be helpful. Unfortunately it seems more common today to cherry pick an individual example of the human element in order to justify whatever agenda the author or politician has.