(CO) House committee dismisses illegal immigrant tuition bill

[pampango]

Source: Denver Post

A bill to grant illegal immigrants in-state tuition died Monday evening at the hands of Republicans in a House committee.

Supporters of Senate Bill 126 were encouraged after the bill had passed the Democratic-led Senate last week on a 20-15 party-line vote. Four Senate Democrats who had voted against a similar bill in 2009 switched their votes to make that happen.

But a stream of opponents ranging from advocates of tougher immigration laws to an angry Vietnam veteran testified against the bill. John Brick of the American Citizens Party complained of an "invasion of illegal aliens" who prey on the kindness of Colorado residents.

Still, 12 other states — including Utah, Kansas, New Mexico and Oklahoma — have passed similar laws. And while opponents said illegal immigrants who graduate from college still can't get a job without a Social Security number, supporters said that enough states can create momentum to change that on the federal level. They also said many students end up seeking lawful status, and having a college education prepares them to be productive members of society when they attain lawful status.

Read more: http://www.denverpost.com/legislature/ci_17927753#When:12:43:20Z