Photo by Steve Klamkin WPRO News
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – Two Rhode Island lawmakers are reviving debate over a state college tuition break given to illegal immigrants with a proposal to turn what's now an education policy into state law.
State Sen. Juan Pichardo and state Rep. Grace Diaz are sponsoring legislation that would give all Rhode Island students in-state tuition rates at state colleges regardless of their immigration status.
Two years ago a state education board approved in-state tuition for illegal immigrants who attend and graduate from a local high school and commit to seeking legal status.
The Democratic lawmakers say that policy doesn't have the same weight as a law, and could be more easily rescinded.
Critics say the policy unfairly rewards people who have broken the law.
Some 59 students have received the tuition break so far.
