The Price of Education

Professor David Diaz, shown above, calls out-of-state tuitions for immigrants anti-Latino and insensitive reaction to young people who want to continue their education.

Katy’s parents came from Mexico City 15 years ago. They were in search of opportunities and a better life. They had no choice but to come to the United States to struggle, not just for themselves, but for their three daughters.

Katy was 3 years old when she came illegally with her family to California. That little girl is now grown. She’s looking forward to graduating and being part of the San Fernando High School class of 2001. Currently, she’s surrounded by eager classmates planning their life after high school; some are getting ready to attend college, others will head straight into the workforce.

Katy finds herself at a crossroads. Life has become complicated for her. Next fall, she wishes she could attend UCLA to study law. Throughout high school, she has maintained a 3.2 GPA while taking honors and advanced placement classes. Her chances of getting into a respected university are reportedly good. But her dream has been cut short because her stay in the U.S. is classified under illegal immigration.

Public education is not denied to any child regardless of their immigration status. Court rulings have favored illegal residents and the right to an education but that all stops after high school. The problem with these college hopefuls is when they realize that being undocumented keeps them from receiving in-state tuition discounts or financial aid.

In order to attend community college or a state university they must be able to prove citizenship or permanent residency to determine their tuition costs. If they are unable to prove either one, they are forced to pay what an international student would pay.

By coming to CSUN, an illegal resident would be forced to pay $246 per unit plus all applicable registration fees.

Assemblyman Marco Firebaugh (D-Los Angeles) introduced a bill last year that would have allowed undocumented students to pay in-state tuition at California universities and colleges. In order for them to qualify, they would have had to attend California high schools for three years and should be actively seeking legal residency.

The bill was vetoed by Gov. Gray Davis last year. Firebaugh, however, has reintroduced the bill. Mexican President Vicente Fox discussed the issue during his visit to California, saying the state should not stand in the way of an immigrant’s right to attend college.

"Like every parent, we wanted the best for our children," said Hilda, Katy’s mom. "We already have our oldest daughter attending Mission Community College.

"I only work a part-time job and their father works extra hours, nights and weekends to pay rent, food, expenses and now two tuitions."

Katy said it’s hard on her because her father doesn’t want her or her sisters to work. Instead, she tries to pay him back by getting good grades. Being unable to receive financial aid worsens the situation.

"I have other friends in my situation and they don’t try their best because they know they won’t even have the chance to go to college," Katy said. "All I want is a chance. They say that Latinos are not well-educated, but that is because of this barrier."

Davis has signed numerous pieces of legislation which have aided the immigrant population, Roger Salazar, spokesperson for Davis said. He’s worked toward farm worker safety and expanding health coverage for under represented children, he added.

"Those are examples of the governor’s relation with the immigrant community and that veto shouldn’t be taken into account," Salazar said. "The governor has a pretty positive relationship with California and its immigrants."

The rationale behind the veto is that if illegal aliens begin to pay in-state tuitions, they would be benefiting from something that a citizen or permanent resident from Texas or Florida who wants to attend a California institution would be unable to. It wouldn’t just affect locally but also on the federal level.

"There would be a loss of revenues of over $63 million dollars in California," he said.

The resurgence of Firebaugh’s amended bill has great momentum, said Ricardo Lara, spokesperson for the assemblyman. The bill will start its legislative process on Thursday with its first hearing.

Currently, Firebaugh and his staff are doing extensive research and an investigation on the policies and the existent state statutes. The bill would affect California State University campuses and community colleges. If it passes, they will then try to work with the Regents from the UC system.

"I think it looks fairly well," Lara said. "A lot of students have raised the issue.

"We have gotten support from faculty, religious groups and (immigrants). We’re very confident and willing to fight for the cause," he said.

Dan Ballard, San Fernando High School counselor, advises immigrant students to strive harder and never give up. He tells those individuals to attend community college while they’re in high school. They could earn credits toward high school and college and not have to worry as much about tuition.

"After they do that, they could work on local officials to make sure there’s a release for those particular individuals," Ballard said. "I’m opposed to anything that stands in the way of someone’s education.

"It’s like charging someone a price for going to El Camino High School instead of San Fernando High School," he said.

To some, charging an immigrant more for the same education because of their status is seen as discrimination. David Diaz, Chicano/a studies professor, calls it an anti-Latino, insensitive reaction to young people who want to continue their education.

"(The bill) is a long-overdue legislation that the state can pass," Diaz said. "Given the decision by conservatives, they could challenge it and overturn it."

Cynthya Cruz, student : "I don’t believe they should pay for out-of-state tuition if they are getting the same education. It’s unfair.

Shirley Bowens, immigration specialist at the Student Development and International Program: "They could go to a four-year college instead of a community college, vocational college or nothing at all."

Why yes, I've got the picture; "the poor immigrant crawling his/her way into the US (illegally)looking for that one great chance to make something of their life." I have zero sympathy for this picture for there is a system, a legal one, which can help them accomplish that dream the right way. What does it say to the millions and millions of immigrants who did come to America the right way and struggled, the right way, to make a better life for themselves and their families? They came here and learned to speak the language and took the proper courses for citizenship and in the due course of time were able to raise their hands and pledge allegiance to this flag and this country. Right now many would have it say that they "wasted" their time and energies. That their allegiance to the USA is meaningless and that they can have welfare and whatever else this land of bounty has WITHOUT the sweat that their ancestors put forth. That, is the liberal mindset, something for nothing. "Let the government pay for it all," which means let the rest of us pay for it all. Let those who did the proper thing pay for it all. However, like all things in life, those that do that attach the value to it that comes with the "new way;" NOTHING. It all equals nothing!

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.