Immigration Issues on Campus

Readers of Enrique’s Journey see the struggle that Enrique’s family faces to find employment and education once they reach the United States. Current events here in Wisconsin reflect that struggle.

In a June 21 article, the Wisconsin State Journal reported that “Republican Gov. Scott Walker is expected to sign a two-year budget that will ban resident tuition for illegal immigrants, ending a program that former Gov. Jim Doyle, a Democrat, signed into law just two years ago.”

In order to take advantage of this bill, students had to meet three qualifications: graduation from a Wisconsin high school, three years of Wisconsin residency, and sign that he or she would seek permanent residency as soon as possible. While this bill enables students to pay in-state tuition, illegal immigrants are not eligible for government financial aid.

Like many issues surrounding the immigration debate, this issue is controversial and arguments can be made for either side. Governor Walker’s spokesperson is reported as saying “Individuals who do not reside in our state legally should not be getting taxpayer subsidized tuition.” However, supporters of the program maintain that educational opportunities are a positive step for undocumented students.

What’s your stance? Leave a comment and let us know.

Click here to read the full Wisconsin State Journal article.