Is it Fair to Deny Children of Illegal Immigrants College In-State Rates? [POLL]

It’s either a noble gesture or a shrewd political move to cull favor with Hispanics.

A couple of Jersey City officials want the state to make state schools affordable for illegal immigrants.

The gist of it would be to give the children of said immigrants who were brought here when they were young, in-state rates to colleges here if they can prove that they will legalize their immigration status, and also have graduated high school for at least 3 years or obtained a GED.

But do you think it’s fair.

According to this:

The local measure, which the (Jersey City) City Council will consider at its regular meeting tomorrow night, is sponsored by Councilman at large Rolando Lavarro and Ward C Councilwoman Nidia Lopez.

The two said in a press release that the children of undocumented immigrants shouldn’t have to suffer because they were brought to the United States by their parents.

He added: All they want is the opportunity to continue their education, and give back to their state of New Jersey."

The state bills have been introduced in the Senate and Assembly and await consideration by education committees. State Sen. Sandra B. Cunningham is a primary co-sponsor on both, while state Sen. Brian Stack, also the Union City mayor, has co-sponsored both.

If the state measures are signed into law, students would qualify for in-state tuition rates and financial aid if they attend high school in New Jersey for three or more years, graduate from a New Jersey high school or obtain a GED and file an affidavit with the college or university stating they have applied to legalize their immigration status.

"I am honored to help throw open the doors of higher education and allow our young people to better themselves and, in turn, better all of the people of Jersey City," Lopez said. "We must support our DREAMers."

“DREAMers” is the word used to describe undocumented residents who came to the United States at a young age, and it was coined after Congress in 2001 introduced legislation intended to provide them with some legal residency status.

Congress has never passed the DREAM (Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors) Act. It came close in December 2010, but its passage was blocked by Senate Republicans.

Damn those Senate Republicans! What could they be thinking? Lord Almighty, to deny these “DREAMERS” access to an affordable education. (Sarcasm)

True, they didn’t come here of their own volition. Their parents conceivably brought them here when they were young. And they possibly did benefit from a free high school education; made possible by the citizens of New Jersey; something they automatically had a right to.

They don’t, however, have a right to attend college at a rate comparable to the children of legal citizens.

What, I think, the Senate Republicans are thinking is that since the parents were the ones who committed the crime of entering the country illegally; then why validate their actions by allowing their children to profit from them.

One hates to see the children have to “suffer”…however sometimes the sons have to pay for the sins of the father.

True, not fair, but life isn’t fair; and that’s a lesson learned the hard way.

As stated in the :

To quote Mayor Jerramiah Healy, who is running in May's election against Lavarro's and Lopez's running mate, Councilman Steve Fulop -- said in a statement that he has for "years" supported making college affordable for illegal immigrants.

"Not educating our youngsters is not only hurting them and their families, but it is also hurting our city and our state," Healy said. "Having one set of students who pays a discount and another set that pays an exorbitant amount is not only unfair, but it is also un-American."

Again, one can see the political motive behind Healy’s support for this effort. He's running for reelection.

And besides, aren’t these children not yet Americans. As stated above, they’ve already been afforded the benefit of a free public education. Do you think it’s fair to give these students in-state rates for state colleges as well?