Tuition for Undocumented in Massachusetts

Massachusetts Attorney General Thomas F. Reilly, a candidate for the Democratic nomination for governor,  said last week that he will lobby Massachusetts legislators to pass a bill allowing the children of undocumented immigrants to pay in-state college tuition, saying that ”all kids who graduate from Massachusetts high schools should be treated equally.”

Reilly, himself the youngest child of Irish immigrants, said he can relate to the life struggles of immigrants. ”These kids are here through no fault of their own,” Reilly said. ”They’ve graduated high school here. They will have to work and work hard. Nothing will be given to them. That’s what America and Massachusetts are all about.”

Reilly sought to contrast himself with the bill’s most outspoken opponent, Governor Mitt Romney, who attended an elite prep school and grew up the son of the Michigan governor. Reilly’s mother was a maid, and his father was a laborer. Reilly was the first in his family to attend college. His parents immigrated legally from Ireland. ”The governor’s had a different life experience than I’ve had, and all they want is a chance,” Reilly said. ”It’s disgraceful to deny kids a chance to chase the American dream.”

Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey, the early favorite for the Republican nomination, is opposed to the legislation.  “They are illegal immigrants and you should not be advocating illegal behavior,” she said. The bill, which Romney has vowed to veto, would allow the children of undocumented immigrants living in Massachusetts the opportunity to pay the same tuition and fees as other children graduating from Bay State high schools. The in-state cost this year totals about $9,300; out-of-state tuition and fees are about $25,000.

The bill is likely to come up for a vote this week.

Source: Boston Globe, Nov. 1 and Nov. 4, 2005

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