SALEM, Ore. (AP) — The state Senate is scheduled to vote Tuesday on a measure that would allow some illegal immigrants to pay in-state tuition at Oregon universities.
Supporters of the legislation say students shouldn’t be punished because their parents brought them to the United States illegally. They say the state should help students be productive residents after investing in years of public education.
Opponents say illegal immigrants shouldn’t get a benefit that isn’t available to American citizens who live in other states.
Immigrants who have completed at least three years of high school education in Oregon would be eligible.
An analysis by the Oregon University System says the move would increase revenue to the universities because they’d get new tuition money from students who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford college.
