In-state tuition a privilege, not a right

A story Friday in the Georgia Red and Black reported on the passage of Senate Bill (SB) 529, known as the "Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act," and the possibility that "undocumented" (read: illegal) immigrant students will lose in-state tuition privileges as a result.

The article "Illegals lose right to in-state tuition: New law gives BOR (Board of Regents) power to create exclusive policy," by reporter Cristen Conger, pointed out that the bill, which primarily targets employers who hire illegal immigrants, "exempts individuals from having to verify legal residency to receive postsecondary education, leaving it up to the regents to establish their own admissions and tuition policies."

The Hispanic Student Association found the legislation "troubling," since "many undocumented students cannot afford to pay out-of-state tuition."

“If you cut that, there’s no way they can go to school,” said an HSA spokesman, adding that "educational barriers will only create a negative economic cycle among the illegal immigrants."

The UGA College Republicans were asked to weigh in on this new bill, which must now make it through the state House and be signed by the Governor in order for it to take effect.

Public Relations Director for the College Republicans, Jeff Emanuel, said the legislation was a positive step to encouraging illegal immigrants to gain citizenship and discouraging others from coming to Georgia.

Since undocumented students are technically illegal immigrants, [Emanuel] said it makes sense for them to not receive the privilege of in-state tuition.

“We’re 100 percent for immigration, but we’re 100 percent for the law as well,” Emanuel said.