Illegal Immigrant Tuition

January 25, 2012

CU regents could back in-state tuition for undocumented students
By Brittany Anas 
Boulder Daily Camera Staff Writer

A legislative measure to extend in-state tuition benefits to undocumented students may get an endorsement from the University of Colorado -- key support from the flagship school that was missing last year when a similar bill was introduced.

Joe Neguse, D-Boulder, said he's considering bringing a resolution forward to his colleagues on the Republican-controlled board.

Tillie Bishop, a Republican from Grand Junction, could be the swing vote the Democrats need for an endorsement. Last year, Bishop told the Camera he didn't support the legislation, saying illegal students shouldn't be given tuition perks when out-of-state students in the country legally are paying non-resident rates.

This year, he's softened his stance, he said.

"Here's my thought process: 'Why do we want to penalize the kids for what their parents did -- coming to the country illegally? I know people on the other side would say that's the price they have to pay. But we keep talking about how important education is. It's something you can never take away from anyone. Who knows, one of them could be a Benjamin Franklin or an Einstein. We'd never know if we didn't give them a chance."

The board meets next on Feb. 1 in Colorado Springs.

Neguse said the bill would help bring additional revenue to Colorado's public colleges and universities.

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