Bill Would Deny Nebraska's Illegal Immigrants In-state Tuition
This story was written by Katie Steiner, Daily Nebraskan
The Nebraska Legislature may be asked to review a bill that would prohibit illegal immigrants from receiving in-state tuition at the University of Nebraska and the Nebraska State College System.
LB963, which was sponsored by Sen. Mike Friend of Omaha on behalf of Gov. Dave Heineman, would require state agencies to verify individuals applying for state benefits are legal U.S. citizens.
The bill also would prohibit state agencies from providing state benefits to illegal immigrants, meaning illegal immigrants could not receive retirement, welfare, unemployment benefits, public or assisted housing.
The bill would not apply to emergency medical benefits, short-term disaster relief or assistance necessary for protection of life and safety.
During a public hearing on the issue before the Legislature's Judicial Committee on Wednesday, Friend said, "If the state can control anything, what would it be? We might have hit on something."
Also speaking before the committee, Gov. Heineman said the federal government had failed to regulate immigration law and, therefore, the responsibility had fallen onto individual states.
The governor also said it was not fair for illegal immigrants to receive the same benefits as legal immigrants, who had done the work needed to become U.S. citizens.
"You shouldn't receive benefits if you're here illegally," Heineman said.
LB963 would also repeal a bill passed almost two years ago that allowed illegal immigrants to receive in-state tuition if they followed certain specifications, including signing an affidavit stating their intent to become a legal citizen.
NU President J.B. Milliken said 28 illegal immigrants are currently enrolled in the university system.
Milliken and NU Board of Regents Chairman Chuck Hassebrook stated their opposition to LB963 during Wednesday's hearing.
"(Illegal immigrant students) have the potential to become contributing members (of the state)," Hassebrook said. "If we don't allow them to develop that potential ... we force them into the permanent underclass."
The Judiciary Committee will determine if the bill should go before the full Legislature, which would ultimately decide if LB963 should be written into law.
© 2008 Daily Nebraskan via U-WIRE