SALEM, Ore. (AP) — A bill that would allow undocumented Oregon youth to attend state universities at resident tuition rates drew hundreds of people to an emotional state Senate committee hearing.
Supporters argued Thursday that young people brought to Oregon illegally should not be barred from the public universities because of the high price of out-of-state tuition.
Democratic Rep. Michael Dembrow of Portland said “These kids are not lawbreakers” but rather young people who work hard, get good grades and dream big. He added, “In this country we do not punish children for the actions of their parents.”
But Cynthia Kendall of Salem urged the education committee to drop the idea. She asked, “How is it that people can break the law and get a benefit?”
