House repeals tuition waiver for undocumented students

The House of Representatives has given its approval to a measure that would repeal instate tuition for undocumented immigrants at Utah's public colleges and universities.

The 39-35 vote on HB241 came after it was amended to delay the effective date so that students who enroll by Sept. 30, 2010 would be able to take advantage of the tuition waiver.

"Once students graduate, what do they do?" said Rep. Glenn Donnelson, R-North Ogden, the measure's sponsor. "They cannot work in the U.S."

The measure would repeal a 2002 law that allows undocumented students pay the lower in-state rate if they attend a Utah high school for three years and graduate.

Speaking against the bill, Rep. Phil Riesen, D-Salt Lake, said it would create a burden on society, as well as a split along the lines of race and class.

"That has never been what Utah has been ... and it should not be now," he said. "Education is now and always will be a key to a better life."

The bill last year tied in a tied vote in the House. This is the first time the proposal will be heard by the Senate, and it's unclear what the support will be there.

Sen. Bill Hickman, R-St. George, last week amended a comprehensive bill aimed at illegal immigration to remove a similar tuition repeal measure. It was a move Hickman said at the time would garner more support among his Senate colleagues.

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