Thursday, January 6, 2011

Tuition 'Dream' a nightmare for taxpayers
Illegal immigrants in Maryland shouldn't get in-state benefits

Congress averted a national nightmare when it defeated the Dream Act last month. But now, the issue threatens to reemerge here in Maryland, where Sen. Victor Ramirez is proposing a state version of the Dream Act that would offer in-state tuition to illegal immigrants, potentially costing state taxpayers tens of millions of dollars.

The difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition at the University of Maryland is about $13,000. If 1,000 illegal aliens were to take advantage of this benefit, that would cost the state $14 million. With Maryland's deficit at $1.6 billion during difficult economic times, we cannot afford another budget-busting mandate...

[Full Article]