June 27, 2007
Gov. Rell Vetos Illegal Alien Tuition Bill
I knew there was a reason I voted for Gov. Rell:
A bill that would have allowed the children of illegal immigrants living in Connecticut to pay the same in-state tuition fees as residents may have died with Gov. M. Jodi Rell's veto Tuesday.
"This bill does not address the underlying problem that these students face — that they are not legal residents of the United States," the governor said. "The requirement that students file an application to legalize their status would, in essence, be notification to the government that they are here illegally and it would greatly increase the likelihood of their deportation."
[...]
"I understand that these students are not responsible for their undocumented status, having come to the United States with their parents," the governor said. "The fact remains that these students and their parents are here illegally and neither sympathy nor good intentions can ameliorate that fact."
Rell said the most prudent step is to "wait for resolution at the federal level" as to issues involving illegal immigration.
Rell does have some liberal social tendencies, hence her worry that applying for a tuition break would cause the students to be deported. But she did the right thing regardless, and I'm very pleased.
There is a chance the veto could be overridden. A two-thirds majority vote is needed. But this won't go away even if the veto holds, as Rep. Felipe Reinoso, D-Bridgeport, said he will reintroduce it in that case.
Reinoso is a naturalized citizen from Peru. I'm rather surprised that someone who followed the rules would be looking for breaks for those who didn't...
Background:
Connecticut House Approves Illegal Alien Tuition Bill
Connecticut Legislature Mulls In-State Tuition for Illegals
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