Spring Break
RI bill could offer in-state tuition to non-US citizens
Mark Scialla
Issue date: 2/18/09 Section: News
02/18/09 - The Rhode Island General Assembly is considering a bill that would allow non-U.S. citizens to pay in-state tuition at Rhode Island's three public colleges.
The bill would extend tuition breaks to non-U.S. citizens who have lived in Rhode Island for at least three years and have graduated from any state high school or have earned an equivalency diploma.
"I'm trying to get people to understand that it's not an immigration issue," Rep. Grace Diaz (D-Providence,) the bill's sponsor, said. "It's an education issue."
The bill would require qualifying students to write an affidavit to their respective schools - University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College and Community College of Rhode Island - affirming that they have applied to become citizens.
According to Diaz, the schools penalize students without a social security number by charging them out-of-state tuition. Her bill would allow students to attend college as they wait for the naturalization process to finish.
"It's sad to see kids wait," Diaz said. "In my experience, I've seen kids cry when they graduate high school because no matter what they do, they can't continue. I want to open the doors of education to all people."
Diaz said the bill would not create a tax burden or use state tax dollars because it allows the students to pay an affordable tuition on their own. She said she thinks the bill will benefit the state by allowing more people to have access to higher education, which would help them escape poverty and increase the educated populace.
Diaz has introduced the bill every year since 2005 and it has been struck down each time. Rep. Brian Newberry (R - Burrillville, North Smithfield,) said he strongly opposes the proposed legislation and will vote against it if it makes it to the assembly floor.
"I understand the good intent behind [the bill,]" Newberry said. "The bottom line is they are illegal and not supposed to be here."
The bill would extend tuition breaks to non-U.S. citizens who have lived in Rhode Island for at least three years and have graduated from any state high school or have earned an equivalency diploma.
"I'm trying to get people to understand that it's not an immigration issue," Rep. Grace Diaz (D-Providence,) the bill's sponsor, said. "It's an education issue."
The bill would require qualifying students to write an affidavit to their respective schools - University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College and Community College of Rhode Island - affirming that they have applied to become citizens.
According to Diaz, the schools penalize students without a social security number by charging them out-of-state tuition. Her bill would allow students to attend college as they wait for the naturalization process to finish.
"It's sad to see kids wait," Diaz said. "In my experience, I've seen kids cry when they graduate high school because no matter what they do, they can't continue. I want to open the doors of education to all people."
Diaz said the bill would not create a tax burden or use state tax dollars because it allows the students to pay an affordable tuition on their own. She said she thinks the bill will benefit the state by allowing more people to have access to higher education, which would help them escape poverty and increase the educated populace.
Diaz has introduced the bill every year since 2005 and it has been struck down each time. Rep. Brian Newberry (R - Burrillville, North Smithfield,) said he strongly opposes the proposed legislation and will vote against it if it makes it to the assembly floor.
"I understand the good intent behind [the bill,]" Newberry said. "The bottom line is they are illegal and not supposed to be here."
