9/24/2006 4:00:00 AM Proposition 300 Š bad for students or good for taxpayers?
By HILARY DARTT
The Daily Courier
PRESCOTT Voter approval of Proposition 300 could stop undocumented migrants from taking advantage of social mobility and integrating into society.
The referendum, set to go to voters Nov. 7, reserves state-subsidized privileges for Arizona's legal citizens and removes one factor that may entice undocumented migrants to stay here.
Local teachers and a student gathered Wednesday during a press conference at Prescott College to share their concerns for what one professor said would deny immigrants equal access to education.
Arizona Rep. Tom Boone, R-Peoria, who sponsored the referendum, said Wednesday evening by phone that while he recognizes that many migrants want to receive a higher education, he doesn't believe those who are here illegally should receive benefits that U.S. citizens from other states can't receive.
"In all eras and times," said Dan Garvey, president of Prescott College, "there are anticipated consequences of legislation and unanticipated consequences. It is always difficult to unbraid those to see whether the intended consequences have the anticipated results."
Proposition 300, also known as Senate Concurrent Resolution 1031, among other things, would require undocumented migrants to pay out-of-state tuition at Arizona community colleges and universities, even if they've lived in the state for years.
"I have seen how many students, remarkable young people, have come to the U.S. without a choice in the matter and excelled through the education system," said Bernardo Aguilar, a Prescott College professor.
Proposition 300, he said, "Negates the mechanism of social mobility open to undocumented migrants and closes the path toward social mobility and integration."
Boone said the proposition, if voters approve it, would still allow undocumented migrants to attend colleges and universities, but that it's not fair to offer them in-state tuition when students who are U.S. citizens move to Arizona still must pay out-of-state tuition. Allowing undocumented migrants to pay in-state tuition while U.S. citizens who move to Arizona must pay out-of-state tuition is inconsistent, he said.
"I understand the other perspective," he said, "but why should we be subsidizing any government programs for people who are here illegally?"
Prescott High School senior Andrea Aguilar said she came with her parents to the U.S. eight years ago and would like to receive a higher education.
Many people her age face similar situations, she said: they came with their parents to the U.S. as infants or young children. They attended U.S. schools from kindergarten through 12th grade and excelled academically.
Currently, they can pay in-state tuition to attend community colleges or universities in Arizona. However, the passage of Proposition 300 would require them to pay out-of-state tuition and that would make higher education impossible for many.
Unfortunately, Boone said, the children of parents who break the law often suffer, even if they had no choice about breaking the law.
Prof. Aguilar, a Costa Rican migrant who earned his Juris Doctorate and master's degrees, said children cannot apply for U.S. citizenship or residency until they're 18. Before that, their parents must apply for them. Many of their parents are reluctant to apply because they fear rejection and then deportation.
Therefore, Proposition 300 affects young people who are just getting out of high school and have plans for further education but haven't yet had the opportunity to apply for residency or citizenship.
Anita Fernández, a Prescott College professor and migrant who earned her Ph.D. in language, reading and culture, said her former experience as a high school teacher provided inspiration.
"It's inspiring to see students work so hard to attain their goals," she said. "They continue with their studies in the hopes of one day attending a college or a university.
"I stand here as a doctor of education because I had the privilege and opportunity to receive a higher education," she said.
Proposition 300 would deny young people freedom and the opportunity to be active participants in their community, she said.
Boone pointed out that in addition to prohibiting colleges and universities from offering in-state tuition rates to undocumented migrants, Proposition 300 would prohibit undocumented migrants from receiving state-subsidized programs including financial aid, child care assistance and adult education.
Contact the reporter at hdartt@prescottaz.com
Reader Comments
Posted: Sunday, September 24, 2006
Article comment by:
Jeanette Peterson
I recently moved back to MN after spending 18 years in AZ. I fully agree with Proposition 300 and applaud Rep. Tom Boone for his efforts on behalf of the majority of American citizens. Illegal aliens who sneak across our borders should not be entitled to anything. Demanding their rights is disgusting. Shouldn't the Mexico government be responsible for their own people?! We taxpayers have barely enough to take care of our own citizens without the added burden of care for illegals from other countries.
