Missouri banned instate tuition for illegal immigrants, so will give it FREE

Parents Forum
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<p>Because the Missouri legislature barred illegal immigrants from receiving in-state rates for college tuition, the state's Dept of Higher Education is going to get around the law by giving them FREE tuition.</p>

<p><a href="http://m.stltoday.com/news/opinion/editorial-missouri-s-higher-education-department-scores-a-on-immigration/article_92deb6f4-9f6c-5792-b8bd-e3219eb7e2db.html?mobile_touch=true"&gt;http://m.stltoday.com/news/opinion/editorial-missouri-s-higher-education-department-scores-a-on-immigration/article_92deb6f4-9f6c-5792-b8bd-e3219eb7e2db.html?mobile_touch=true&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

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<p>An already existing program for <em>everyone</em> is being expanded to encompass those “with legal presence” as defined by Homeland Security. And it’s only community college. And like I said, it already exists for legal residents. <a href=“http://www.abc17news.com/news/status-change-could-mean-two-free-years-of-tuition/26991702”>http://www.abc17news.com/news/status-change-could-mean-two-free-years-of-tuition/26991702&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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<p>It’s not an existing program for “everyone”. </p>

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<p><a href=“A+ Scholarship Program”>http://dhe.mo.gov/ppc/grants/aplusscholarship.php&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>In Missouri, 520 public high schools have been designated as A+ schools by the State Board of Education.</p>

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<p>Since these students can’t claim a Pell Grant, low income [insert PC correct term here] will on average claim more from the A+ program than a low income U.S citizen. The problem with these “administrative fixes”, at the state level, is that it’s easy for the state legislature to counter it during the next session (unlike at the federal level). Don’t expect this to be in place longer than a year, which makes it something of a complete waste. In fact, the legislature may choose to punish the state education department through it’s funding. </p>

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<p>“everyone” meaning everyone who qualifies. Not just “whatever term you want to apply” kids.</p>

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<p>In NY, illegal immigrants or anyone can who meet certain requirements such as having spent 2 years and graduated from a NY high school can get instate tuition rates. SUNY schools tend to meet full need up to the tuition and fees portion of the cost. The way the aid is given is that all state and federal entitlement grants such as PELL and TAP are first put towards the cost, and then the Direct Loan, then what the school has in federal funds such as SEOG, Perkins, WorkStudy, with what’s left coming from the school’s funds. Since those here illegally are not eligible for federal or state money, a reading of the process makes them eligible to get their need met fully by the school grants. Some schools do have a pool of non government, their own loan and work study funds they will dip into. Whether this happens in actuality or not, I don’t know. Perhaps Kelsmom or Sybbie can comment on this. </p>

<p>If one knows the policies of a number of state schools, or certain colleges, that is the process, by the way. The full need met with regard to tuition and fees, however, is not a stated guarantee, but just the way it works. Yes, I know some cases here where Illegal immigrants are getting costs met by schools, maybe more generously than their US peers since they cannot get the government self help money. </p>

<p>I am completely against giving illegal residents instate rates for college. </p>

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<p>^
Me too. without legal status, they cant get jobs after graduation. And, I dont care what anyone says, their parents have not been paying taxes like domestic parents have been paying. Sure they pay sales tax when they buy stuff, but RARELY is their income being fully declared (and we have seen that here on CC when the kids post). </p>

<p>I dont mind if there is a system for families who are here (and working!) to get legal status, as long as they aren’t involved with criminal activities. </p>

<p>If the Dept of Higher Education is doing an end-run and giving free tuition, then there will be a backlash in that state like no other. No way are citizens going to fork over thousands for tuition while illegals get to go for free. </p>

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<p>Also agree. As a legal immigrant who sacrificed a lot to get here legally, I really hate that people who are basically line jumpers are getting incentives. I miss the “work hard and play by the rules” ethos.</p>

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<p>I am sensitive to this because a huge share of our property taxes support community college in my state. But just to play devil’s advocate–the department of education did this only because the state legislature didn’t think the whole thing through, but rather went with the typical knee-jerk political reaction. It has been well documented that these young adults contribute to the state and local economy, and Missouri seems to recognize this. </p>

<p>I don’t think they should be getting free CC tuition, but I don’t really see the problem with offering them in-state. Most of these kids have grown up in Missouri and gone through the Missouri school system. How are they any different from other kids who grew up there and want to attend CC? Most students in CC (at least the non-wealthy ones, which I am assuming most of these kids are) need to work to support themselves. So they are paying state income tax, which also helps support the CCs. If they live on their own, they are also paying rent. They are buying food and gas and otherwise supporting the local economy. In this case, I don’t see how their legal status is all that important.</p>

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<p>Good for MIssouri! I think it’s a great idea to get around the ban on giving them in state tuition. I bet there will shortly be a law passed giving the dreamers in state tuition. </p>

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<p>“Not be pursuing a degree or certificate in theology or divinity.”</p>

<p>Wow, that doesn’t really seem fair. I would think if they are going to give illegals a break then they ought to give let
all the kids study what they want to. </p>

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<p>No one is uncomfortable that an unelected Board is going around the law enacted by elected representatives? Are we a democracy or not?</p>

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<p>It’s not preventing them from studying theology or divinity. It’s preventing them from DOING SO USING PUBLIC FUNDS TO AVOID LEGAL CONFLICTS ARISING FROM THEIR USE IN SUPPORTING RELIGIOUS EDUCATION. </p>

<p>It’s derived from the separation of church and state idea derived from the First Amendment in which government may not establish or grant favor to a given religious organizations with a few notable exceptions. Religious education is definitely not one of those exceptions. </p>

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<p>Isn’t the board appointed? So there’s still indirect representation there. And you could argue that the governor represents the will of the people better as the governorship can’t be gerrymandered (as the legislature can be).</p>

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<p>^ No, because governors are not elected to make law, the representatives are. </p>

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<p>Well, to PurpleTitan’s point, how democratic is the making of laws when gerrymandering has made our government that much less representative? Many bought-and-paid-for state legislatures these days act according to the wishes of their puppet masters, not the people who elected them. The legislation they propose or support is often in direct contradiction to every poll conducted among the state’s residents. I live in a state like that and it is awful.</p>

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<p>What do the people of Missouri want with regard to giving illegal immigrants in-state tuition?</p>

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<p>Governing by polls is not a great idea either. And, polling is notoriously flawed anyway. The responses can be changed pretty easily based on how the questions are phrased. </p>

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<p>^ Right. </p>

<p>And anyone who thinks governors cannot be swayed by special interest groups is living under a rock. </p>

<p>(Not meaning for this thread to become political, just educational)</p>

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<p>Bay, I am curious about what you think. What if your state decided to offer instate (not free) tuition to undocumented immigrants? Let’s say there was a condition that they had to have had residence for a few years, and have come in as minors.</p>

<p>ETA: I do not think governors are any less influenced by special interest groups or wealthy donors than legislatures are. In fact, in my state, the governor is the worst offender by far.</p>

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<p>Let’s give them a sweet name so then we’re all supposed to put up with anything and pay thru the nose. </p>