Lawmakers try again to hike tuition for illegals

On the outside, Elizabeth looks just like any other Utah teenager. She's white, as is an estimated 83 percent of the state's population, and she shares the majority LDS faith.

Yet, even though this Southern Utah University student never crossed the border illegally and her parents hold green cards, she's only able to pay in-state tuition because of a tuition wavier for undocumented students.

"I am an undocumented alien," says Elizabeth, 18, who graduated from high school in Utah County. "I can't get a job. School's my only chance to find some way to start my own business."

Elizabeth, who asked to be identified by only her middle name because of her status, is among some 280 students paying in-state tuition under a 2002 law that allows undocumented students to pay the lower rate if they attended a Utah high school for three years and graduated, according to the Utah System of Higher Education.

That law has repeatedly come under fire in the Legislature, and this year is no different. Rep. Glenn Donnelson, R-North Ogden, is again attempting to repeal the law. HB241 is set to receive its first hearing on Tuesday before the House Education Committee.

Donnelson says he feels sympathy for students like Elizabeth, but contends that students in her situation would be better off returning to their home country and attempting to immigrate legally.

"It's a heartfelt thing," says Donnelson. "It's against the law. Why do we keep suspending and breaking the law."

Elizabeth would be grandfathered in by the bill, which would eliminate the waiver for students who enroll after May 1. However, that could make college out of reach for her 16-year-old sister, who is also undocumented.

She says her family is already strapped by the $3,358 tuition bill, which they must pay out-of-pocket because her status makes her ineligible for federal financial aid. Out-of-state tuition is $9,878 — nearly triple what she's paying now.

Elizabeth's status has already impacted her education. She had thought about nursing, but because of her status, wouldn't be able to work in the profession. So, she opted for graphic design and photography because that gives her the potential to open her own business.

"College is the one chance we have," she says. "They are taking away our last chance to have a future of our own."

Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. has said he supports keeping the tuition waiver in place. And support also comes from the Utah for the American Dream Coalition, comprised of groups ranging from the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce to the Utah System of Higher Education.