Jeff Irwin introduces bill that offers in-state college tuition for unauthorized immigrants
University of Michigan and Ann Arbor police arrest protesters for blocking the intersection of South State street and South University in Ann Arbor. The protesters demanded tuition equality for unauthorized immigrants.
Courtney Sacco I AnnArbor.com
Related article: Immigration proposals: Provide in-state college tuition for young arrivals, establish Michigan office
Democrats from Michigan's House of Representatives are proposing that unauthorized immigrants who attended high school in Michigan for at least three years receive resident tuition rates at the state's 15 public colleges.
That would mean a $26,000 difference for qualifying students at the University of Michigan.
The bill, sponsored by Ann Arbor Democrat Jeff Irwin, is part of a five-bill immigration package introduced by House Democrats. The package includes a bill that establishes a state office of immigration and another bill that allows qualifying immigrants to receive Michigan drivers licenses.
Jeff Irwin
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
Irwin's bill is limited to immigrants who qualify for the federal government's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which allows them to live and work in the United States without fear of deportation.
The package comes less than a week after seven U-M students and one alumnus were arrested for blocking traffic during a tuition equality rally on U-M's downtown Ann Arbor campus. Students have been petitioning U-M for two years to offer in-state tuition rates for unauthorized immigrants.
Under existing policy, unauthorized immigrants pay nearly $40,000 a year, and they don't qualify for federal aid.
"The activism on campus, the discussions that are taking place among the regents and the school administration certainly gave me a reason to look deeper into the issue," Irwin said, adding that it "remains to be seen" if his bill will garner bipartisan support in the state Legislature.
At the bulk of Michigan colleges, practices are the same: schools don't offer resident rates for unauthorized immigrants. Western Michigan University students who can prove in-state residency are awarded in-state tuition, regardless of their citizenship status. Wayne State University doesn't require applicants to submit citizenship documentation.
Eastern Michigan University's Board of Regents in 2012 determined that the school could not offer unauthorized students in-state tuition rates because doing so, administrators found, could violate federal grant and funding requirements.
Throughout the fall and winter a U-M task force compiled a report on tuition equality, benchmarking U-M to other schools and exploring the logistics and legality of such a policy. A group of administrators, including the provost and president, are now reviewing that report and crafting recommendations for the Board of Regents, which have the final say on the matter.
During a Board of Regents meeting Thursday, U-M President Mary Sue Coleman said she expected a favorable recommendation to regents.
"We fully expect to have a positive recommendation to the board," she said.
If Irwin's bill doesn't gain support from House Republicans, the possibility looks bright for unauthorized students to receive in-state rates at U-M.
Kellie Woodhouse covers higher education for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at kelliewoodhouse@annarbor.com or 734-623-4602 and follow her on twitter.
Comments
BioGSRA
Tue, Apr 30, 2013 : 2:40 p.m.
This proposal is in violation of Federal Law: Title 8: ยง 1623. Limitation on eligibility for preferential treatment of aliens not lawfully present on basis of residence for higher education benefits (a) In general Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an alien who is not lawfully present in the United States shall not be eligible on the basis of residence within a State (or a political subdivision) for any postsecondary education benefit unless a citizen or national of the United States is eligible for such a benefit (in no less an amount, duration, and scope) without regard to whether the citizen or national is such a resident. http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/U.... If this bill passes the state of Michigan and the state universities will be opening themselves up to massive lawsuits. Maybe we should think things through for a change...
YouSaidWhat?
Thu, Apr 25, 2013 : 12:07 a.m.
Ok let me try again the A2.com censors deleted my previous comment. I guess the IA word is now on par with the N word and the F bomb. Irwin supports the following: 1. Giving titiuon breaks to those who are not US citizens. 2. Opposes the Pledge in the classroom ( one of 5 state reps in the state opposing, 101 were in favor) 3. Supports legalizing pot. These are just 3 of the extreme left wing positions held by Irwin. Gratechen Driskell and Adam Zemke should think hard about being pictured next to Irwin at his next presser advocating his extreme positions.
Sparty
Thu, Apr 25, 2013 : 7:24 p.m.
A) A near majority of the US supports legalizing marijuana and several States have done so. B) It is illegal to require the pledge of allegiance in classrooms, and has been for decades. C) Several other States are currently providing in-State tuition rates to non US Ciitizens. Thus, these are hardly radical or extreme positions as you erroneously claim.
LXIX
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 9:32 p.m.
Probably schmoozing for Levin's seat. Hey, Jeff.how bout some details... 1. How does one prove that they were brought here as a child without documentation exposing their illegal alien parent(s) to immediate deportation? Assuming the illegal alien parents are responsible for their own children and did bring them here involuntarily as many claim. 2. Reading the various Congressional proposals on Immigration Reform, how does one also prove that they worked and/or lived in the US in order to pay back taxes (or collect tax tefunds) without implicating their law-breaking employers? Churches? And their relatives who may not qualify for future residency? 3. If it were not for illegal alien (females) and legal immigrant (females) from third world countries, the population in the United States would be shrinking. Why are American (females) any different where population management and the future for their family is concerned? Are their representatives and business' aware of this trend and have any comments to add to their generous immigrant agenda?
Sylvanman
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 9:18 p.m.
Shame on all of you. Why should we be denying a lowest-cost slot at a Michigan college to illegal immigrants when we have so much and are so flush with cash .... wait, never mind. Come to think of it, my kid was close but denied admission to Meechigan due to a lack of slots (hummm) and I can't afford the Meeching in-state tuition anyway. Just a hunch that many of these illegal aliens come with scholarships courtesy of ... wait for it .... the Michigan and US Taxypayers. Good Grief Charlie Brown!
Jay Thomas
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 9:01 p.m.
Also, something like this should only come from the people's elected representatives in the first place. The idea that the U's administration gets to recommend absurd ideas like this (or insisting on affirmative action in defiance of the voters) is part of the problem. The "regents" will rubberstamp whatever the administration puts before them. As far as I can tell they are just there for the status of it and don't want to upset anyone at the U.
Jay Thomas
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 8:29 p.m.
I don't care about the money. I care that these people who are not supposed to be here are getting an admission slot ahead of an American or foreigner who is following the law. That is an outrage. Why is the U not mandated to check for that before considering an applicant? This sham vote buying bill by the democrats will fail. But when will the republicans mandate the U to check for legal status?
AnnArBo
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 2:31 p.m.
Illegal, to unauthorized, to graduated/indoctrinated voter!
mmouradian
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 2:27 p.m.
If they have been living here, they have been paying taxes.
Jay Thomas
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 8:31 p.m.
That's not certain at all. Frequently they live with relatives who are legal. The point to understand is why are they allowed to jump in line at all?
cinnabar7071
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 6:54 p.m.
How does one pay taxes with no SS number?
Chester Drawers
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 1:48 p.m.
Where was the hue and cry for the woman a few years ago who was denied in-state tuition for grad school? She and her husband came to AA for med school, and stayed through his residency. They owned a house and she gave birth to her children in the U of M hospital, yet the university refused her request for in-state tuition because they deemed her reason for being here to be 'temporary!'
Jay Thomas
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 8:35 p.m.
How do we know that these immigrants are not here temporarily? But I'm sure the U will find it to just fine and dandy for the people who are not Americans. At EMU President Martin got talked into granting in state tuition for people from the Middle East (Jordan or some place). While someone from Ohio still has to pay the full rate. We, the Americans, are being taken advantage of!
you can't handle the truth
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 12:53 p.m.
An unathorized immigrant, undocumented immigrant, or whatever ridiculous term is used now is an illegal alien. Plain and simple. They should not be getting tuition breaks. They should be deported.
sambra
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 12:44 p.m.
Jeff Irwin is a hack.
cinnabar7071
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 6:57 p.m.
A hack spending Y/OUR dollars.
Jeffersonian
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 11:16 a.m.
I'll vote for that bill twice- and I'll bring in a busload of out of state folks to do likewise- we have to show these crazy people who work too much that they need to subsidize others.
Carole
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 10:39 a.m.
No thank you. If you are "unauthorized" or "illegallly" here in the USA, then you should return to your home country, or take whatever measures needed to become a citizen of the USA. If any USA citizen, when to another country illegally, they would be deported or put in jail. There are many US citizens who need help; all help should be focused on them. Sorry -
Poorman
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 9:26 a.m.
In state residents get a reduction in tuition because they have paid to fund the public schools with their state taxes. Where is the logic here? This is pandering for votes as the demographic of new citizens is growing.
Poorman
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 10:37 a.m.
They aren't citizens yet. This is pandering to the immigrants who can vote.
Basic Bob
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 10:28 a.m.
They aren't citizens so they aren't allowed to vote. Maybe we should pander to them by changing that requirement, too.
Sparty
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 4:05 a.m.
Most posters are missing (intentionally?) the requirement that the student spend 3 years in Michigan High Schools, clearly demonstrating Michigan residency and therefore the logic behind in-State tuition rates. Continue hating, but this is something that many States are doing to grow and build their States educated workforce of the future.
1bit
Thu, Apr 25, 2013 : 2:46 a.m.
@Sparty: I think part of the problem with the idea of "Michigan Residency" is it presupposes legal residence in the US. Ignoring the latter for a moment, U of M has published guidelines (well, sort of) for residency requirements including: "Individuals who are present in Michigan for temporary pursuits, such as education, are not eligible to be classified as residents for the duration of those pursuits." Even property ownership doesn't guarantee residency status for U of M. But ultimately, one cannot dissociate being a Michigan resident from the implication of being in the US legally. If "unauthorized" immigrants are granted all the rights and privileges of US citizens/Michigan residents, are we not devaluing legal residency and immigration? Are we not devaluing citizenship in general?
Sparty
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 8:32 p.m.
How does 3 years attendance in Michigan high schools not equate to Michigan residence, @1bit? If living here and going to school here for 3 years doesn't equate to residence, I'm not certain what does ?
Usual Suspect
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 2:04 p.m.
Can you somehow explain to me, using actual logical reasoning, how disagreeing becomes "hating?"
OLDTIMER3
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 12:41 p.m.
You mean to say they will stay here once they graduate from the UofM? Money talks and BS walks. Who can afford the $40000 they are talking about to start with.
1bit
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 10:18 a.m.
No, I think many just don't agree that 3 years in high school is an appropriate metric to justify Michigan residency.
Usual Suspect
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 2:51 a.m.
Somebody apparently has a little too much fun at the hash bash. Oh, I mean, the "unauthorized substance" bash.
walker101
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 2:48 a.m.
Under existing policy, unauthorized immigrants pay nearly $40,000 a year, and they don't qualify for federal aid. Must be nice that one can afford that kind of money and not even live here legally, how do they do it?
Jay Thomas
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 8:39 p.m.
Bob explained it. The idea that they are all paying lots of taxes with their non-existent social security numbers is a myth. Frequently they come to visit relatives and just never leave (the relatives are helping them).
Peter
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 7:56 p.m.
Any other racist stereotypes you'd like to throw out Bob?
Basic Bob
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 3:20 a.m.
They don't pay taxes on their income and crowd multiple families into a single home. You can tell who they are when you drive by their houses - the ones with 6 to 8 cars.
Ricardo Queso
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 1:44 a.m.
A polite way of saying this action is that Mr. Irwin is procuring for votes.
Poorman
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 1:40 a.m.
The redistribution of our wealth is in the hands of people like Irwin. Very comforting. This is just an effort for democrates to buy votes from future citizens as immigration restrictions increase. This country was founded on immigrants. This country's politics are founded on this type of special interest actions. As this bill is brought to vote, our military tuition assistance is being reduced.
Poorman
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 9:06 a.m.
I intended to say "as restrictions decrease".
USRepublic
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 1:08 a.m.
Its OK.... As In-State applicants... They won't get in to Michigan anyways.
1bit
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 12:36 a.m.
This is pandering pure and simple. If you are "unauthorized", "illegal" or whatever euphemism then you don't have a right or expectation to in-state tuition offered to Michigan resident. I have no problem with offering a path to citizenship and this would solve the problem, once they are citizens. The other problem with this proposal is, as others have mentioned, what makes unauthorized immigrants better than legal citizens of other states? Why should the former get preferential treatment? What about out-of-state students who have lived, worked and voted year-round for 3 years at the University. Shouldn't they be able to get their senior year as in-state tuition then?
UloveM
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 12:35 a.m.
How about kids who were brought here by their parents as legal aliens? They are currently paying international tuition because they don't have "Green card".
7718
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 12:13 a.m.
So illegal aliens...I mean unauthorized citizens can get in state tuition while American citizens from another state must pay the higher rate. I thought UM didn't want to discriminate against anybody... I guess it's okay if they American citizens though. WOW! What has happened to these lawmakers? They don't seem to think things through at all.
DonBee
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 12:06 a.m.
Watch Jeff Irwin try to run for higher office in 18 months. House of Representatives? Senate? Governor? Attorney General? He is making noise like he wants to go higher than where he is. This is a man to watch, very, very carefully.
Homeland Conspiracy
Tue, Apr 23, 2013 : 11:56 p.m.
Stop this!!!! These people are criminals!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
leezee
Tue, Apr 23, 2013 : 11:55 p.m.
Really!? You're going to treat someone who is here illegally better than a kid from Iowa? Ridiculous!
Jay Thomas
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 8:46 p.m.
I think Americans should be first in line, legal foreigners second... illegals not at all.
Peter
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 7:54 p.m.
Really!? You're going to treat someone who is brown better than a kid that's white? Ridiculous!
MichU
Tue, Apr 23, 2013 : 11:29 p.m.
I commend Rep. Irwin for showing leadership in this matter. Most of these students have lived here since they were young kids. It was not their choice to be in limbo. When we welcome them as our own, then we will reap the benefits of their talents. We need to wake up and realize that in-state tuition (which EMU gives to people from Ohio!) is a decent thing...since out-of-staters who can afford to go to UM pay about twice. If the immigrants can "give back " to the state and the school and the community, it will make us all the richer.
Jay Thomas
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 8:48 p.m.
Taking a precious admission slot from an American isn't "giving back" or "making us richer". Please stop with the politically correct mumbo jumbo. You do realize that there are not an unlimited number of admission slots, right?
Basic Bob
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 3:18 a.m.
There is no requirement that they give back anything. Their parents have been here illegally for years, getting paid under the table or having minimal taxes withheld and not filing tax returns. Their parents are able to pay for their education without taking out federal student loans because they don't pay income tax. Sounds to me like they already are receiving a good deal. If they want to stay and establish legal residency while their parents are deported, that's a different story.
talker
Tue, Apr 23, 2013 : 11:21 p.m.
Generally I like Jeff Irwin's comments and work, but this is unreasonable and unfair. First, why should such non legal residents of Michigan be given in-state tuition when legal residents of other states of the U.S. cannot get in-state tuition in Michigan? Second, it would cost legal residents. This suggestion is also coming at a time when many Michigan communities are barely covering the costs of desired police and fire protection. Unfortunately, what seems like a humanitarian act can turn out to be unfair to others among us.
Sylvanman
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 8:49 p.m.
Humanitarian or political opportunist? Never about fiscal sanity, it's always about feelings and looking to care more than the next liberal ..... with other people's money of course.
RUKiddingMe
Tue, Apr 23, 2013 : 11:19 p.m.
Absolutely insane. Is it just people in this town that are so dumb, or will I run into this everywhere?
Jon Wax
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 2:10 p.m.
and this part of the thread and responses are what tell me for absolute sure that A2 is no longer the Ann Arbor it once was. we didn't used to have so many conservatives here as we do now. not even close the same. sad. Peace Wax
Usual Suspect
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 2:53 a.m.
You will run into it in all areas where liberals live.
a2citizen
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : midnight
Fret not, it's just here.
TheDiagSquirrel
Tue, Apr 23, 2013 : 11 p.m.
Good thing it will not pass. What a terrible idea. Irwin needs to be voted out of office next election
Jon Wax
Tue, Apr 23, 2013 : 10:52 p.m.
interesting that they would protest about this. seeing as how most of the kids are from out of state and leaving upon graduation... must be nice to bet with other folks loot. Peace Wax
a2 Brute?
Tue, Apr 23, 2013 : 10:14 p.m.
Question: How does an illegal immigrant even afford IN-STATE tuition ? Answer: Student loans. BofA, Chase, Comerica and the rest of Wall Street are salivating at the new revenue stream coming on-line.
Jay Thomas
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 8:52 p.m.
They often receive help from relatives here. The Banks should be mandated to check for legal status like the university before making loans.
Homeland Conspiracy
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 12:03 a.m.
I work my butt off too BUT if I break the law I go to jail
a2 Brute?
Tue, Apr 23, 2013 : 10:42 p.m.
If they are working their butts off then I'm sure they have tax statements showing they paid their state, federal, FICA,... taxes.
lynel
Tue, Apr 23, 2013 : 10:30 p.m.
Answer: they are working their butts off, as are their parents.
Stewart G. Griffin
Tue, Apr 23, 2013 : 10:14 p.m.
O.K. then....illegal alien.
Jack Gladney
Tue, Apr 23, 2013 : 11:38 p.m.
Actually they usually are registered... To vote.
B2Pilot
Tue, Apr 23, 2013 : 11:21 p.m.
Or as Cleveland would say "unregistered democrats"
Kyle Mattson
Tue, Apr 23, 2013 : 10:12 p.m.
As explained in previous articles unauthorized immigrants is the term being used in articles by AnnArbor.com/MLive.com, but readers are welcome to use the term they feel appropriate within our community guidelines. If you have any questions or feedback you would like to provide regarding the use of this term please send us an email at share@annarbor.com. To ensure an on-topic conversation please note that any comments specifically regarding the use of this term may be removed. Thanks!
Arborcomment
Tue, Apr 23, 2013 : 11:50 p.m.
Thank you for your explanation Kyle. My comment directly pertains to this story, and others using the term because MLIve.com has chosen to use it in the title. I make two suggestions: 1) You might as well put an editor's note at the bottom of every story concerning this topic (with the upcoming immigration debate - I'm sure there will be others) with an explanation similar to above. We've heard other explanations; "consistency" being one most prevalent. You can run this disclaimer until the public no longer asks why the older, more common term is not being used. 2) But what I'd really like to know is how the editors decided on your chosen term and why. Give us some details on the debate and thought process of this group and why, beyond "consistency" was "unauthorized immigrant" selected.
leaguebus
Tue, Apr 23, 2013 : 10:10 p.m.
Westfringe. So some kid brought here by its parents is a criminal? Your lack of empathy for people caught in a situation that they had nothing to do with astounds me. Thanks to Jeff for the bill, but i fear Westfringe and his buddies in the state legislature bode ill for the bill.
maallen
Thu, Apr 25, 2013 : 2:07 p.m.
leaguebus, All of us have suffered and continue to suffer the consequences from the choices that our parents have made. Why is it then the illegals get special treatment for this when the rest of us receive no special treatment for the choices that our parents made. Our parents make a choice, that's called life. Our parents and the kid(s) suffer the consequences, that's called life. It happens every day.
Sylvanman
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 8:46 p.m.
To be clear, it was their parent's mistake and as between me, the kid and the law-breaking parent, I should pay? Get real. I think we should have a special tax just for the illegal immigrant huggers - they should have to pay 25% of their wages (and all other taxes) to support the illegal children since they are not at fault. Just a hunch their view of blameless illegal immigrant children needing our tax dollars would change quickly.
Homeland Conspiracy
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : midnight
Then you pick up the tab!
Howard Beale
Tue, Apr 23, 2013 : 10:06 p.m.
Hey Mr. Irwin....that is not your money your are trying to give away. What an opportunist...trying to ride the wave of that moronic protest at U of M last week. Don't get too comfortable up in Lansing buddy boy, you won't be up there after the next election!
Sylvanman
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 8:42 p.m.
Wanna bet? This is Ann Arbor - 23 sq miles surrounded by reality.....
Howard Beale
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 10:40 a.m.
Excuse me leaguebus, but I am neither a democrat or a republican (correct spelling by the way), I am an independent, which means I prefer to think for myself. I despise the extremism on both sides of the aisle that is swiftly destroying this once great country of ours. It is too bad that you have to instantly categorize someone with an opposing point of view as a "republikan" or any other political party. It must be difficult to be so closed-minded, and have to resort to name calling.
Howard Beale
Tue, Apr 23, 2013 : 10:08 p.m.
TYPO: "you are" not "your are".....note to self...don't type angry!
Dog Guy
Tue, Apr 23, 2013 : 9:55 p.m.
What a cheapskate bill from Ann Arbor Democrat Jeff Irwin! Illegals should get free tuition and a new car from Michigan.
Silly Sally
Tue, Apr 23, 2013 : 9:44 p.m.
illegal aliens who stay under the radar and graduate from a Michigan high school and get into UM should get in-state tuition, since they are Michigan residents. But if "discovered", then ICE should be called and they should be deported. On the other hand, should we have a cut-off? If someone was brought here at age 3, Michigan would be all that they7 know. Not true for someone who came a dozen years later at age at 15. I'm hard-core anti-illegal alien, but at what age cut-of, if any, should we allow for a dream act? We also should stop the business where if someone is born here to illegal alien parents, they are automatic US citizens. no other nation in the world allows this abuse.
Sparty
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 8:42 p.m.
You're correct, A2Citizen. It's in the Constitution since the 14th Amendment was ratified on 7/9/1868. Thanks for the update.
a2citizen
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 6:33 a.m.
It hasn't been that way since our founding.
Sparty
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 3:54 a.m.
It's in the US Constitution - if you're born here, you are a citizen and it's been that way since our founding. Why all the surprise and outrage now? LOL.
Linda Peck
Tue, Apr 23, 2013 : 9:35 p.m.
If this bill gets passed, then it should be for everybody everywhere, not just certain ones who are illegally here. What about the people who are legally here? Good grief! Is there no common sense left in this world?
maallen
Thu, Apr 25, 2013 : 2 p.m.
KBGoBlue, If they are here illegally I doubt they are paying their "fair share" of taxes, income, etc other than sales tax. And I ask, all of us have to live with the consequences and choices that our parents have made. So why is it that these illegals get special treatment, when the rest of us do not?
KBGoBlue
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 12:44 p.m.
Kids from Indiana have the option of going to IU and receiving in-state tuition. Undocumented children brought to Michigan by their parents (not their choice), do not have such an option. They often pay taxes, but can't receive in-state tuition anywhere.
Poorman
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 9:17 a.m.
So how would you fund discounted tuition for everyone? You get a reduced in state tuition from public universities because your state taxes funded those schools. If everyone gets a reduction, then it really isn't a benefit for the tax payers who pay for these schools. Socialists are happy until they run out of other peoples money.
Linda Peck
Tue, Apr 23, 2013 : 10:33 p.m.
Brad, that is not what I meant, and I think you know it without my saying. We have legal residents from all over the country. If we allow illegals from wherever, why not allow legals from Indiana, for example.
Brad
Tue, Apr 23, 2013 : 9:46 p.m.
The people who are legally here and went to high school here are probably residents and eligible for in-state tuition already .
Cleatus12
Tue, Apr 23, 2013 : 9:22 p.m.
All personal political view aside, the timing of the introduction of this bill is impeccable.
a2citizen
Tue, Apr 23, 2013 : 9:20 p.m.
It's amazing how someone who is paid by tax dollars has complete disregard for how tax dollars are spent. Actually, it's not amazing. And with the UM rubber stamping "...a positive recommendation..." I need no further proof that the education-banking complex is the biggest scam this country has going.
Westfringe
Tue, Apr 23, 2013 : 9:17 p.m.
Thank you Mr. Irwin for trying to hand over our tax money to criminals. Privileges such as attending a publicly-funded state university and having a drivers license should only be allowed to law abiding citizens and legal immigrants. The Democrats rush to give our money away to illegals and people who don't want to work. The Republicans to gigantic multi-national corporations and the filthy rich. RIP middle class.
maallen
Thu, Apr 25, 2013 : 1:54 p.m.
KBGoBlue, "Don't punish them for the actions of their parents." All of us are affected by the choices our parents made, but yet we have to live by them. So why is it that the illegal immigrants get special treatment?
mmouradian
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 2:22 p.m.
Those immigrants have been paying taxes for the past three years like any other student in the state(gas/sales/income). Also how about a kid whose family move to Michigan from another state their senior year in high school, they have to pay out of state tuition.
KBGoBlue
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 12:41 p.m.
"For childhood arrivals" implies extending benefits to CHILDREN who were brought to the US by their parents. These children didn't have any choice in their immigration. Don't punish them for the actions of their parents.
brian
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 2:40 a.m.
Well said.
Engineer
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 2:02 a.m.
Seems they forgot what illegal means. They should be deported ASAP.