A debate is brewing in North Carolina over whether to reduce tuition rates for illegal immigrants.
A bill in the General Assembly would set up a commission to study the possibility of charging illegal immigrants living in North Carolina in-state tuition at North Carolina institutions of higher learning.
If the commission supports such a measure, a bill could be introduced to the assembly calling for the reduction to in-state rates from current out-of-state tuition fees.
Although some state leaders said the move may result in a more educated workforce, others argue that it would merely reward immigrants who have broken U.S. laws.
Democratic state Sen. William Martin, a member of the Senate Education Committee, said such a measure would help both resident illegal immigrants and the state in general by providing a better educated workforce.
"If the students are going to remain in-state, it's much better for those students to have the tools that are needed to be more productive," Martin said.
He added that illegal immigrants would have to graduate from high school in North Carolina to apply for the lower rate.
Carla Burkhard, an attorney for the North Carolina Justice and Community Development Center, said many high school students who are in the country illegally do not have the incentive to pursue higher education because they know they will not be able to afford it once they graduate.
"We're sending a real mixed message to our kids in high school," she said.
Although this proposal has received support, it is expected to face strong opposition. Ron Woodward, director of NC LISTEN--North Carolinians for Lowering Immigration to Save the Environment Now--said in-state tuition is a privilege that should be reserved for citizens and legal immigrants.
"[This proposal] rewards someone who broke the law to come here," he said. Burkhard said many illegal immigrants currently in school came to the United States with their parents when they were very young and did not know any better.
But Woodward said illegal immigrants under any circumstances are still illegal.
"If you got caught speeding and said you didn't know any better, what would the police officer tell you?" he asked.
It remains to be seen whether the illegal immigrants who would graduate from college under this proposal would be able to find jobs without proper documentation.
Burkhard said that one possible draft of the bill would require students to seek a green card while in college.
But he added that such a search could be complicated by a backlog of green card applications at the Immigration and Naturalization Service.
Martin also said he may favor eventually extending legal status to immigrants who have demonstrated an ability to be productive contributors to the state and its economy.
Get The Chronicle straight to your inbox
Signup for our weekly newsletter. Cancel at any time.