Kansas House Takes Steps to Repeal In-State Tuition for Undocumented Students
From the Kansas City Star:
A bill that would repeal in-state tuition for the children of undocumented immigrants cleared a major legislative hurdle Monday.
The Kansas House voted 69-49 to approve the bill, which would repeal a law the Legislature passed in 2004.
“We had an election in November, and we have a group of folks who see things differently,” said Rep. Lance Kinzer, an Olathe Republican and one of the bill’s sponsors.
The law grants in-state tuition to the children of illegal immigrants who graduate from a Kansas high school and pledge that they intend to become citizens. Last fall, 413 students — including 84 at Johnson County Community College — received the benefit while studying at state universities or junior colleges.
Opponents of the current law, including Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, say it is an incentive for undocumented immigrants to come to Kansas. Supporters, which include education and religious representatives, say the law helps children who didn’t choose to come to the country.
The difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition is significant. A first-time freshman who entered KU last fall paid $3,938 per semester for tuition if they were considered Kansas residents. A nonresident paid $10,340.
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