Deseret News | Immigrant tuition repeal removed from bill

Reader comments
Immigrant tuition repeal removed from bill

Jared M. | 6:15 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

No studies, no delays. no interference by religious or special interest groups. Pass every single proposal to eliminate benefits to people who break the law. Send a strong signal that Utah will not tolerate illegal alien activity, otherwise we will become the illegal garbage dump of the U.S.A.

IM | 7:22 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

This is a big mistake. We should shelf this thing again.

Melanie | 7:23 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

I can see the future of these representatives.I don't see Republicans winning this presidential election. I can feel that some people are very afraid to allow hispanic being educated, because they know their skills , abilities and strenghts their gained throughout life's oppositions.Their are bilingual ,and with all the desires to move forward in life.Also they are getting very tired experiencing all that "some " well politically connected people try over and over again to make of them an inferior level social community taking from them opportunities to get educated through twisted laws . I hope , with all my heart,that the new President of United States shows that here we have good and wide open minded persons.Those "scared" people want to obtain money through slavery, over and over again throughout the entire history of this Country. Fortunally ,we have very good people who has power as well and they will not allow that jacky minority to get success for long time. Good bless United States of America with good and open heart and minded people.

Comments continue below

Convert | 7:44 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

I use to think like that... scared of people coming to Utah who don't speak English- signs in Spanish in my Macey's store- these people are law breakers! I want them gone! We'll, the longer I live the more I realize that nothing is ever a bad or as good as it's made out to be. Most of the folks who are here illegally are way good for us in most every way. A few, like the few of the rest of us misbehave and ought not to be among the rest of us. I'm not sure what's happened, but I've gradually become filled with compassion for these folks. The harsh rhetoric against them troubles me. I sure don't want America to become like Europe, but I don't want America to be heartless.

The Raven | 7:55 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

If some businessmen and representatives of some religious organizations are so concerned about repealing the in-state tuition for illegal aliens, there is a simple solution. These people should get together and create a fund out of the pockets of their businesses and religious organizations picking up the tab for the education of these people. It's time the American taxpayer stopped subsidizing illegal aliens. Businessmen and religious groups that believe they are benefitting from illegal immigration should be forced to pick up the tab. Enough of this corporate and religious welfare being packed onto the backs of American citizens and future American citizens!

polygamists? | 8:31 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Do polygamists still receive benefits? Is there not criminal activity associated with polygamy? Where is the outrage?

lb | 8:41 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

I believe it would do well to give the reps in utah a big incentive for higher education,It would seem so many of them realy do not understand english very well themselves, such as the word illegal or alien.

wakeup | 8:36 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

If they obey the law and came into USA legally. they would have these rights. why do we want to reward illegal conduct!

Elder Ballard | 8:58 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

I am happy that you are behind the taxpayers spending this money.

I am sure that you are used to it, spending other peoples money through tithes, however, this goes beyond your eccleastical duty.

Some of us don't have that much coin.

KG | 9:02 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Illegal means just that, these people are law breakers and any subsidizing is aiding and abeding. The governer has reason to be deeply concerned about this issue, because he is coming up for re-election, and I for one will not support him until he starts supporting me and the other legal citizens of this state. I can't believe that our elected representatives are ignoring the outcry from the "American Public". Any bill or legislation or executive order that benefits illegal immigrants at the tax payer expense is a crime within itself and should not be tolerated by the voting citizens of this country. These so call "good people with desires to move forwar in life" should try to obey the law first and quit trying to get by the easy way like a thief in the night robbing rather than working for a living. I will support any person of any nationality that wants to become a citizen and applies for it properly, but have absolutely no sympathy for the illegals that parade around with that other country's flag above ours.

Re: Jared M | 9:05 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

"Send a strong signal that Utah will not tolerate illegal alien activity, otherwise we will become the illegal garbage dump of the U.S.A."

How can you compare a human being to garbage? Unbelievable. You sir are a disgrace.

Dave | 9:16 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

If Huntsman (who's a socialist) supports it--then it's probably not a good idea. And, personally, I could care less whether the Church and Elder Ballard support it. They want converts and will not portray themselves in such a way as to offend any section of society--that makes sense.

Elder Ballard was the spokesman when the Church said they don't want guns in chapels. I disagree, but I understand their view.

In the case of illegals, you need to remove the carrots that attract lawlessness, and this is just one of those carrots. Encourage these people to obey the law, rather than foolishly pander to them.

Shell game | 9:28 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Keep your eye on the ball, folks. Lot's of wiggle room for the pols on this one.

Jason C. | 9:38 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

It makes no sense to favor (mostly) Mexican citizens over citizens from other states. I have nothing against Mexicans, nor against immigrants trying to get an education. On the contrary. But we are a nation of laws. Acommodating illegal aliens in any way only makes a bad situation worse.

Why target education, though, when there's so much crime, identity fraud, uninsured motorists, etc?

N | 9:53 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Lost in this conversation is the fact that plenty of American citizens break the law, and do we deny them access to education or health care?

Declaring that illegal immigrants have broken the law, and that somehow exempts them from being humans -- that's preposterous

BigPoet | 10:10 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Subsidizing the tuition of illegals is not an investment, and Utah doesn't need a return on that investment. Subsidizing illegals' tuition is throwing away money that could help real, legal Utahns.

Rotunda | 10:48 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

That picture is beautiful

I like the fact they spent all that money on refurbishing the building, and the parking and all, and they had that really expensive celebration to re-dedicate it, but now it's time to trim the fat to pay for it.

Let's take money from poor immigrants, public employees, and other minorities.

I think it is important the legislators keep their $500 plus per day per diem so that going to the new capital will keep them feeling like the millionaires many of them are.

Stewart | 10:54 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Some people out there seem to think there is no difference between people who come to Utah from Kansas or from Mexico. They consider those opposed to illegal immigration as "nativists." They also have their reasons such as: Cheap labor, ethnocentric interests, political influence, and Mexican patriotism(La Raza).

Taxpayers not only subsidize education, but they also subsidize those who are legal workers that are unable to make a subsistence wage due to the depressed wages caused by illegal labor and cheap labor employers.

It is about time that the state take action, even as weak as it is. I have even heard people argue against laws designed to prevent ID fraud. If the hard decisions aren't made now, it will only become more difficult later.

FINALLY | 10:56 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Finally our so called REPRESENTATIVES are actually trying to get the job done that we the people elected them to do! However small the steps they are taking at least they are being taken. I fully support all bills that would take incentives and benefits from those persons that are in our country ILLEGALLY...we can't lose sight of that. They chose to come here without permission so why are we being taxed and paying higher insurance rates and all the other aspects of our life being more expensive because they came here unlawfully!!!??? And as for Gov. Huntsman...when exactly are we going to be able to vote him out of office??? I am glad others are finally taking notice that he does not have Utahns needs in his view...he just wants to pander to special interest groups to get into Washington like his predecessor! They both failed Utah!

Duckman | 11:08 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

This is nothing but RACISM, pure and simple...

Darn Canadians!!!

WatchDog | 12:13 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Keep your eye on the ball, indeed!

We need to asking ourselves why it is businesses tht are pushing for this exemption for illegal aliens to attend our colleges.

It is because they get to hire illegal aliens, who will work for less!

This added pressure on our legal labor force depresses our wages, and those greedy employers who would hire an illegal alien very likely would not pay their fair share of taxes either.

Why should the taxpayer foot the bill for this nonsense?

Dug | 1:57 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008

In support of earlier comments, business owners need to pool their finances and subsidize a education program for undocumented workers and assist these workers to become legal citizens of this wonder country. It is a slap in the face of those who attempt to enter this country legally by applying for education or work Visas and then pursuing citizenship. I personally have two friends who have done just that. One from Viet Nam and the other from Cuba, it is difficult and does come with a price tag, however neither of them would hesitate to do it again. We need to stop catering to the Hispanic community and ignoring immigrants from other countries.
The education bill passed in 2002 is not an investment, but rather a non- recoverable expense; these individuals currently in the program are still illegal and by law cannot be employed following graduation anyway.
And finally, itï¿½s the law!!

Orrin | 2:16 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Send the bill to Mexico and demand payment for their citizens here illegally.

John Reynolds | 3:07 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Don't count on the feds to do anything about this.
It won't happen. States MUST act on their own !!!

lanny | 4:21 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008

when my ancestors came to utah,It was not the united states but part of mexico. they were forced out of the united states with threat of extermination,they came here and was allowed to flourish by the mexican government,then a few years later the united states forced mexico to sell it the southwestern states,and almost immediately the united states government reconvened in its persecution of the mormons by sending johnstons army(as a real invading and occupying army,If not for the american civil war there was a real chance the mormons would have fled for mexico again.we now have a large percent of the mexican population fleeing poverty and a basket case broken government,If I was in mexico i would do the same.hopefully some of the tolerance shown to us we can return.

Bobby | 5:07 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008

People are always looking for clues on what to think of illegal immigration. Study California. It is a bankrupt state, NOW, and used to be the richest one in the U.S. Any questions?

Bobby | 5:17 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, etc.

As Americans we should always be wary of people who impose these kinds of conditions on free speech. The questions arise, abusive to whom, offensive to whom and who those who set themselves up as the arbiters of morality also make one wonder. The internet will soon go the way of the bogus, phony controled Main Stream Media in which every single piece of news is reported, (or not) with an agenda in mind. This is not what a free society should be about.

Ex_OC | 6:57 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Well, what can I say about Utah. Hmmm, I guess all I can say is I'm glad I don't live there. If the LDS and all the pro-illegal alien groups want its citizens to pay for the education of people who are illegally here, well then, what can I say. Just keep it within Utah's borders. Don't go to us other states that have the sense to deny illegals any benefits. UTAH, KEEP YOUR ILLEGALS WITHIN YOUR STATE -- DON'T CROSS STATE BORDERS PLEASE!!!

Ex_OC | 6:59 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008

My God, after reading all the comments here (with the exception of a few Patriots), no wonder the law was upheld! You Utahns can have your illegals. But like I said in my previous comment, just keep them within your borders and pocketbooks. The rest of American doesn't want them.

Utah First | 7:50 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008

If you want to see the real story on illegal aliens don't lisen to all the bleeding heart liberal who write in supporting these criminals. I challenge you to go to the official F.B.I. website and look at the list of murders and violent cimes section. Ninety percent are illegal aliens from Mexico and central America. Any time you hear somebody pleading the cause of illegal aliens just review the facts provided by the F.B.I.

Where does the FBI? | 2:30 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

Utah First: I'm looking and looking on the FBI website, and have found nothing that resembles what you claim. In fact, on the 10 Most Wanted list, for example, no mention is made at all of immigration status of any of the suspects. Mexicans and Central Americans come here to work--why are you so afraid of them?

Anonymous | 4:47 p.m. Feb. 14, 2008

Would it be Okay for California to send over to Utah some of the sixty thousand illegal alien gang members in Los Angeles County. Many are reformed and really nice people I've heard--and they work. Don't be afraid of them.

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