Rell Vetoes In-State Tuition Rates For Illegal Aliens

Connecticut's Republican Governor M. Jodi Rell vetoed instate college tuition rates for children of illegal aliens at Connecticut colleges and universities

In her press release Governor Rell said that while she is sympathetic to the plight of the students, they are living in the U.S. illegally and she does not want to encourage people to circumvent federal immigration laws:

"I understand these students are not responsible for their undocumented status, having come to the United States with their parents,” Governor Rell said. “The fact remains, however, that these students and their parents are here illegally and neither sympathy nor good intentions can ameliorate that fact."

"This bill does not address the underlying problem that these students face – that they are not legal residents of the United States,” Governor Rell said. “The requirement that students file an application to legalize their status would in essence, be notification to the government that they are here illegally and it would greatly increase the likelihood that they would be deported."

The Governor noted in her veto message that she also does not want “to encourage individuals to circumvent federal immigration laws. The bill, by providing benefits to undocumented aliens, may serve to encourage others to come to Connecticut in violation of federal immigration law. National security in the post-9/11 world has become increasingly important and we cannot dismiss the effects of state action that may undermine federal security measures."

The legislation passed the supposedly veto-proof legislature by votes of 21-15 in the Senate and 77-68 in the House of Representatives 77-68. It is unlikely the Democratic controlled legislature will be able to override Rell's veto.

Three cheers for Governor Rell.

As I posted two years ago when the Connecticut Legislature still had the balls to do right thing and reject instate tuition for illegals, to provide the in-state tuition to illegal aliens would only further encourage illegal immigration. As a Connecticut taxpayer I don't see why I should be asked to subsidize the education of someone who is not in this country legally.

Thanks to The Everyday Republican for the tip.