Monday, August 10, 2009

Undocumented Immigrants Spend Millions Extra on Tuition

Undocumented Immigrants Spend Millions Extra on Tuition: PHOENIX - More than two years after Arizona voters passed a law denying in-state college tuition and other state-funded benefits to undocumented immigrants, thousands of people are still applying for those services and being turned away.

Supporters of the law say the numbers are evidence that the measure is working, saving money that the state shouldn't be paying to educate people who came here illegally. Opponents say the numbers show thousands of bright young people are being denied the opportunity to improve their lives through education and contribute to society.

The law, known as Proposition 300, was approved in 2006 by more than 70 percent of Arizona voters. It requires state agencies to verify the immigration status of applicants for state-funded services such as child care and adult education, along with in-state tuition and financial aid for college students.