The cost to educate these illegal aliens is picked up by the taxpayers of RI, and out of state American's who want to get an education in RI colleges . It costs $12,500. per student per year. We are a nation of laws. We have a civil and educated populous. Why are we allowing law breakers to get benefits our own citizens can't receive ?

I know I am going to be in the minority here, but I feel that allowing in-state tuition to illegals does not take anything away from anyone. Most of these people have been here since just after birth and they are not at fault for their situations. The so called law breakers were babies when they arrived. I feel that once again, our zenophobic society makes judgments on people who are just trying to get by. We are not giving them anything....they are willing to pay at least 12 grand a year plus, possibly, another 10 grand to live on campus. What does it take away from you? Nothing.

Also, this rule would only allow in-state tuition to students who have been in a Rhode Island high school for 3 years or those who have a GED. The students must also actively seek legal status. About 150 students would be affected by this change.

when everything is going great in America ,the economy plenty of jobs etc,we look the other way,now that things aren't so great we look at ilegals and blame them for our scew ups...
America is a nation of laws,and to be honest i don't blame those people to be here ilegal,it is the federal government to do it's job and protect our borders,wich i must they doing a lousy job...we are allover the world protecting everybody's country and they borders and we seen to forget to protect our own,i don't blame these people,it's the law of survival,in their country they starve, they're persecuted,they're poor,it is human instinct to look for a better place,now it is the US government to control our land air and water ports,but to be honest it's like the war on drugs,billions upon billions of dollars spent we will never win,with iligal immigrants will be the same because we need these people here to do what our citizens don't want to do,and that's the bottom line(cheap labor)America needs cheap labor,that;s why our so called jobs goes to China because of cheap labor...so there's only one way to deal with this proplem lets deal with the people that are already here on a one on one basis,and please,please let's do a better job in contrlling our borders...

I agree, nptresident and moses. No one has been able to answer the question regarding the numbers. How many illegal immigrants are going to qualify? How many will get accepted to a state school? How many will actually attend? The schools are in place and the classes are in session. Adding one or two more students here and there won't make a big difference. Some may even pay something too. Look at the numbers and the dollars! I'm sure both sides want to know.

The socially and intellectually inferior will always put emotion over intellect. And they're gaining in number, which is exactly why democracy isn't going to work much longer. We've become incapable of making rational decisions.

Personal attacks, name calling. This is a country with corporations that WANT illegals to come here for cheap labor. If you want a glimpse of the work illegals do, just watch the movie, FOOD, Inc. How are you AFFECTED by illegals paying state tuition to go to URI??? Would that stop you or your children from attending? NO. Higher education has become big business and you SHOULD be complaining about how kids are in debt because they have to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars of college debt -without the guarantee of a good paying job. And the country's debt??? Hmmm.....look at useless wars brought on by a conservative, nation building president.

The poll results speak for themselves.

nptresident, You obviously don't know enough about the problem to make an intelligent decision. We have legal Immigrants who are welcome here, and work hard to become Americans. Then there are those who broke the law to come here. You don't seem to comprehend the difference.
The cost to educate these illegal aliens is picked up by the taxpayers of RI, and out of state American's who want to get an education in RI colleges. It costs $12,500. per student per year. Tax payers feel the pain.

No one is saying that they would get a FREE education...they would PAY the state rate. Comprendo?

The rate less the instate discount of $12'500. We get to pay that ,the RI tax payer.
They don't have a SS number so they work under the table. Tax cheat!

Technically I don't think it's possible to attend a public university as an illegal. I don't think you can even open a bank account. How could they even buy books? I don't think Chafee has thought this through. Would they pay cash for everything? How can they sign up for dorms and get medical clearance to live on campus or have a meal plan? It would be a tragedy if a really talented student that had a leadership role at the university was caught and arrested as well. That's not fair to the rest of the students. Let's say your TA is an illegal and they are caught in a road block in another state and then sent to federal jail. It's not fair to the TA's students and the professor that all the years were invested in this leader when it was known they were illegal and at any time could be hauled away to jail. I don't think it's a simple issue. You have to first clear to be legal to consider attending university and entering society.

As suspected, still no answer...

How many illegal immigrants are going to qualify (high school diploma, GED, etc.)? How many will get accepted to a state school (competitive unless comm. college)? How many will actually attend (see dropout/grad. rate, economic demographics)?
How much will this cost ($12.5K x number of illegal immigrants)?
How much will this really cost (based on above -- more teachers, facilities)?

Exactly. It won't cost much based on the demographics. Again, "Informed opinions" are derived from intellect, not emotion.

Would bet those arguing against this don't even pay for what they take from society. If you've got a couple of children in school and make less than $130K, you're not paying your fair share (deduction for children, cost of public education, state and local services, etc.) And most arguing against this certainly didn't go to college to know the value of diversity in higher education.

Finally, I can't help myself... momfirst, what's with the inappropriate use of punctuation? I'm guessing you should pull up a chair next to that illegal immigrant attending class at URI. Oops, based on spelling, grammar and sentence structure, you and Joe probably wouldn't qualify. Sorry! That's for calling me a complacent sheep and blaming me for our country's problems, Joe. Just returning the attack :)

"How many illegal immigrants are going to qualify "
Time will tell.The legislature may end it next session.
"If you've got a couple of children in school and make less than $130K, you're not paying your fair share"
Most people own their home for many more years than they have kids in the schools. They pay it back with interest.
"How much will this really cost "
It's costing us about two hundred million a year to educate the illegal aliens that are in the k through 12 system now. That's money that we the tax payers fork over.

Average property taxes were factored in, and they cover many other services beyond education. Deduction for children, child care tax credits, etc. go beyond K-12 years too. Argument stands. Still not paying fair share.

What's your reference or basis for your estimate pf the cost?

I'm not saying I don't think illegal immigration is a great thing. It's a real problem, particularly as more socially conservative and religious immigrants begin to vote for regressive candidates and policies. In addition, poverty tends to breed more ignorance and more poverty.

I'm just not going to fall for the emotional button-pushing by the conservatives that is the real cause of the divisiveness within our culture. Unfortunately, most cannot engage in critical thought process.

Apologies for the typo (pf). And scratch the word "don't" in the third paragraph. Sometimes I type faster than I think :)

Illegal aliens skew the legitimate supply and demand for labor and skilled trades which have an unemployment rate here at close to 25%. They increase supply and therefore decrease legitimate demand. They work for less. They do not complain about work conditions. This does not affect the effete snobs who feel comfortable deciding how to spend other people's money though.

Education and medical costs are where illegals have the most negative effect. When the cost of education is looked at closely it's the ESL program that stands out and of course the free meals program also. These programs have a pronounced effect on the cost of education in this country. As Mike pointed out very few will qualify for college at all. This means not only are we spending much more on K through 12 education programs but the effort is nearly 100% wasted. On the medical side of things I'd suggest taking some time out of your busy day to go to the local hospital emergency rooms or one of the many community clinics which cater to the illegals. My business takes me to several of these locations and other than the employees I see a group that would jump out the windows if an ICE raid was announced.

before they were called( aliens)now they are called illegal immigrants,tomorrow who knows?lets faced folks they are here to stay period...we can talk we can scream we can yell and you know what it's not going to do us any good.they are illegal for one thing but not for another.i know for a fact of illegal people going into the service and fight in afganistan,what do you call them???you wanna blame someone blame your local politician wether is democrat or republican it's all about the votes it's all about the money it's all about politics,lets faced America as we know it is no more, it's over finito the sooner we realize this the better it is.
I must say Joe Sousa,i feel a little resentment towards these people,i notice your name is Portuguese,are you sure none of your family members came here illegal???
look it up maybe you'll find something you don't want???all i'm saying is you want to blame,blame the government,and let these people live they lives,after all we are all from this world,and we must make this world a better place...

Take Central Falls as an example. As the working class moved out of the city and were replaced by illegals the city became a safe zone for Colombia drug kingpins.

Described by Roiling Stone magazine as 'The Cocaine Capitol of New England'. A few years later CF was unable to pay their share of their educations costs. In fact they haven't contributed a single dime while raising property taxes only 23% over 20 years versus an average of 134% for the rest of RI's communities. .

The new state 'fair funding formula' which is stripping more than $9 million a year from Warren/Bristol also states that using that same formula CF is capable of paying nearly $12 million a year towards that cost. They will continue to pay nothing though.

So who pays that bill? We do. No one in my family has been to a public school in three generations yet we continue to pay the same local tax as anyone else.

Personally I can't wait till the Secure Communities Program begins in 2013. I am hoping they roll out an illegals bounty program, $100 a head.

You bring up very valid points, Jim. As I said, I think illegal immigration is a real problem, I just think arguing over this particular issue does not solve anything. It's used by politicians and conservatives to pit one lower economic and social class against an even lower one.

Um, what is so difficult to understand about the word illegal? What is the actual cost to support illegal aliens? They do not belong to the state nor do they belong to this country so how do they get in state tuition? Why are we spending countless $$$ we don't have on illegals?

There are a limited number acceptances for every freshman class; for every slot given to an illegal student a legal resident will not have the opportunity to enroll.

First, before we tackle the ones that are here, we need to stop the flow!! As long as it is easy to get here and worth the effort, this problem can't be fixed. E-verify along with a workable worker program would be a start. Right now illegals are at the mercy of employers that abuse them; forcing them to work for low wages, longer hours in substandard conditions. And in constant fear. These employers don't pay benefits or workmen's comp. They know they don't have to, the government will cover their medical expenses- that is us.

It amazes me that some are so concerned about tuition breaks and close their eyes to the horror culture their communities live in. While it is better then their country of origin, it is beneath the dignity that Americans should allow within our borders.

And, I know it's a complex issue. We need to stop the bandaid approach. I heard a doctor in my family say that he did not want to change things. He would have to pay too much to have his yard landscaped! If employers were required to pay fair wages, no one would work for the low wages now paid to illegals. The cost of business would go up, but so would the dignity of our country. That's why this system will NEVER change $$. Too many people like it the way it is.

I go to URI myself. I have worked hard all through my college career after having to leave school a few years ago to take care of sick family. Now I am back and earning Dean's List at URI. Somehow, with less than $25,000 yearly income between both my husband and I, I do not qualify for state aid. That means I am paying $12,500 a year (PLUS books and the $165 commuter parking fee) to go to school. As an in-state, guaranteed to graduate, Dean's List student. Yet someone else who is here whose parents decided; to hell with the laws of this nation I WANT to move to' gets to pay the discounted rate that has always been strictly enforced to be awarded only to RI residents? No wonder why URI didn't help me out this year, they were saving for this onslaught of increased cost. It may not be these kids fault, but sometimes you have to pay for someone else's wrong doings. What does this say to all those who have come before and became legal citizens? It makes them look like fools! It sets a precedent for all those that want to come here that they don't need to do it the right way and that we don't actually hold to our word about laws and consequences. If I hadn't had an important class Friday at URI I would have gone to that protest, but with all the money I am spending, I am surely not going to miss any classes! But as Pamela said, we need to cut off the incoming before they can start to think about their kids getting into college....

* WE ALL Know the "exact"answer to this IMPORTANT QUESTION and WHY!? GOD BLESS US ALL!! Blissful PEACE! SHEE *May WE all listen to our hearts, for many "need" help here in many ways!!" Health Insurance, Retirement, No more OUT-SOURCING our Jobs and for us all here, to work harder IF NEED BE (You still have a JOB)!! :) What a rare Blessing now days! Other help, would be BETTER Education for us and reasonable means for tuition for our kids, NO HOMELESS, FOOD Available and LESS WASTED!! and I can think of #4-5 more good reasons! Let us PRAY! BLISS!!!

I support allowing in-state tuition to undocumented students for the same reasons as listed by nptresident. They are not being given free tuition, they are not new residents, they must have attended a RI high school for three years or have earned a GED, and they must apply for legal status.

I think the key word in these discussions is illegal. The government (both state and federal) should find a way to make these illegals, legal citizens, so that they are tax paying and productive and contributing to our society instead of taking from it.

What is this? Another go no place poll. Ilegal is illegal. They are not RI residents. They happen to have squatted in RI just as they do in other states. The Fed Gov't does nothing to protect the borders and then come down hard on the states that make laws to stop the flow of taxpayers money to take care of illegals. Then some of you sit there and say let them be while they suck up everything that is free so you can have cheap cantalopes and corn and whatever. Ship them out and pay the inflated price for your food that you do not pick yourself. And start a Victory Garden when you are done. $100 bucks a head sounds good. Someone could turn in the whole city of CF...it would be like winning the lottery.

There are a lot of people chiming in here who are completely ignorant when it comes tothe subject of illegal immigrants. Monika, I used to feel the same way. I thought illegals were breaking our rules, trying to cheat their way out of paying taxes. This all changed for me when I met one, fell in love with him and got engaged. Guess what I found out when I told him be needed to apply for citizenship? Our very well respected immigration lawyer said that under current immigration law, once someone arrives in this country illegally, they may not ever become legal. Not even if they marry a legal citizen. No one believes me when i tell them that. I just wish people knew that it isn't a matter of going to a registey and signing up to become an amarican! I found out that he and his family would LOVE to be able to pay taxes and become legal. They are hard working people that appreciate this country more than most Americans do and even if they paid half of their wages to income tax, they would still be making way more what they could make back home. Another misconception I had is "well why can't they find a better job in their own country?" well when you make two dollars per day and live with your family on their farm, there is no way to decide one day to get up and "get your own place" and rent an apartment. No medical care, no schooling available, crime everywhere, domestic violence at record high levels, to the point that

There are a lot of people chiming in here who are completely ignorant when it comes tothe subject of illegal immigrants. Monika, I used to feel the same way. I thought illegals were breaking our rules, trying to cheat their way out of paying taxes. This all changed for me when I met one, fell in love with him and got engaged. Guess what I found out when I told him be needed to apply for citizenship? Our very well respected immigration lawyer said that under current immigration law, once someone arrives in this country illegally, they may not ever become legal. Not even if they marry a legal citizen. No one believes me when i tell them that. I just wish people knew that it isn't a matter of going to a registey and signing up to become an amarican! I found out that he and his family would LOVE to be able to pay taxes and become legal. They are hard working people that appreciate this country more than most Americans do and even if they paid half of their wages to income tax, they would still be making way more what they could make back home. Another misconception I had is "well why can't they find a better job in their own country?" well when you make two dollars per day and live with your family on their farm, there is no way to decide one day to get up and "get your own place" and rent an apartment. No medical care, no schooling available, crime everywhere, domestic violence at record high levels, to the point that...

...you are willing to sell everything you own, possibly never see your parents again, and walk/hitchhike over 1,000 miles through desserts and by angry Americans trying to kill you. That takes a brave soul. And for the record, many illegals do acquire a taxpayer ID number and pay taxes. You can be a hater all you want, I know I used to be, and as an American I think you have the right to say "illegal is illegal, get them out" but to me, it's a humanitarian issue now. How many people in this country pay for those charities where you donate each month to help 3rd world children? Well how about letting them come here and earn an income that they can live off of? Education would be such a gift, but I think we need to start by educating rhode islanders as to the true nature of illegal immigration. Give these people an option to become legal, pay taxes, become a part of our community. All of the illegals I know would cherish the opportunity.

These are human beings we are talking about; and, they are in most cases human beings who are in the most need of help in order to make it through this life in a free, happy and dignified way . . . as befits all human beings. I am willing to help them, even if it does mean sacrifice for me and my family. I would rather lower my standard of living in order to raise up the standard of living of others, and I don't really care whether they are deemed "illegal" by government beaurocracy.

WHAT'S THE PROBLEM,,WE ARE A COUNTRY OF LAWS,,,SO WHAT EVER THE LAW READS IS APPLICABLE. WHY IS THIS GOVERNOR MAKING THE LAWS FROM HIS OFFICE. THE CONSTITUTION SPEAKS FOR ITSELF,,,THE LEGISLATORS MAKE THE LAWS,,NOT GOVERNORS, NOT JUDGES,,THIS IS WHERE THE PROBLEM LIES. WE MUST ADHERE TO OUR LAWS OR WE ARE DESTINED TO FAIL AS A COUNTRY, STATE, OR COMMUNITY.

Agree. As long as we remember that religion generally has nothing to do with morality.

Many of the ancestors of the people entering their opinion on this blog came to America to escape less than human conditions, famine, political repression, absent medical care, genocide, just to mention a few. These new nationalities were treated as second class citizens, in fact many were imported by U.S. citizens to provide the manual labor that they were "above" doing themselves within their mansions and mills, and on their farms, for slave wages. The French Canadians were brought in to work the mills owned almost exclusively by rich English men. They were all initially repressed, not allowed the same rights that native Americans have, not allowed proper schooling, or proper nutrition, or a safe environment. I personally think that any human being here legally or illegally should be allowed the opportunity to advance their education. As Jason so eloquently stated , morals and humanity trump laws, I would rather allow them an education than provide for them from cradle to grave. This "problem" of undocumented inhabitants isn't going to go away, but allowing a way out for those who have a desire to improve themselves certainly outweighs the present situation.

if seeing a crime being committed is illegal wouldnt that make everyone involved with letting illegals in our schools guilty of a crime

Didn't read all the comments above, but would somebody please list some other countries that would allow an individual to enter their country illegally and then provide benefits for them. To quote my dear departed grandfather (immigrated from Italy and became a US citizen) who would say this with an exasperated tone: *Ah.....pover'America." Translation 'poor America" As in I feel sorry
for this country.

Many of the illegal immigrants in Boston are from Ireland, and increasing numbers are from Russia and Eastern Europe. No one seems to be complaining about them. I wonder why.

There is a reason people come to this country illegally... to work and make more money here than they can at home (although what they make is typically well below what a corporation would have to pay an American citizen). If corporations stopped turning a blind eye all in the name of cheap labor then the problem might not be as prevalent. Conservatives keep crying about "class warfare" against the rich (oops... I'm sorry... "job creators") then they start screaming about the influx of illegals. Who do they think employs these people (albeit under the cloak of hiring independent contractors who bring them here)? The "job creators" know exactly where this work force comes from but it's all about boosting their bottom line. Can't have it both ways. Oh… and before you neo conservatives start accusing me of spewing conspiracy theories in the name of liberalism... go read "Nobodies" by John Bowe... eye opening. With that said… I am not in favor of this policy, but I think we need to tackle the root of the problem and go after the corporations who make it necessary to institute these types of controversial policies. .

When did we lose our common sense? Our Government, has allowed the invasion of 30 million criminals in direct violation of Article IV, Section IV of our Constitution. they force American tax payers to pay Billions to provide Welfare, Prison cells, Educate the invaders children, free medical care,massive document fraud, & are destroying our schools, hospitals, communities, culture while Robbing, Raping, Killing & Assaulting American Citizens WE ARE BEING INVADED! WAKE UP PEOPLE!
An education is a good thing.

step #1 http://bit.ly/oBuTUd
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NVT7lyNRZQ&feature=player_embedded
www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsH8xvjTAlo
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Btj6IeOFkis&feature=player_embedded
http://immigrationcounters.com/
http://ojjpac.org/memorial.asp
www.immigrationshumancost.org/
www.newswithviews.com/Wooldridge/frosty580.htm
www.youtube.com/watch?v=muw22wTePqQ
http://www.rense.com/general81/dtli.htm
http://www.wnd.com/?pageId=41045
http://www.cairco.org/econ/econ.html
http://www.diggersrealm.com/mt/archives/003335.html
Every Non-representative including obama and holder are not upholding the oath of office! they swore to defend the Constitution! If these clowns were to do their job, this would all be a Moot point!
Anchors and their criminal parents go, period, you knew you were breaking the law when you crossed the border.

Next shut down any business hiring illegal labor. Oh and owners go to jail.
Got a better idea? Lets hear it!

Why can't illegal aliens stay home and protest against their gov'ment to make things better for them ? After all, Mexico is not a poor country, is it ?
And happyteamugger....apparently, you slept through all your American History classes....101,102, etc.

No...absolutely not. Illegal aliens should not get one penny to go to school here. They are illegal. I don't care if they are born here or not, illegal is illegal. The child inherits the status of the parents...this being "born here" is a joke and an abuse of our laws.
And as far as countries like Norway being liberal with their undocumented people....I think the "eastern european" and middle eastern influence is starting to grate on their nerves slowly but surely.

Let's say I break into your house. Let's say that when you discover me in your house, you insist that I leave. But I say, "I've made all the beds and washed the dishes and did the laundry and swept the floors. I've done all the things you don't like to do. I'm hardworking and honest, (except for when I broke into your house).
You are Required to let me stay in your house.
You are Required to add me to your family's insurance plan.
You are Required to Educate my kids.
You are Required to Provide other benefits to me & to my family.
(My husband will do all of your yard work because he is also hardworking and honest, except for that breaking in part.)
If you try to call the police or force me out, I will call my friends who will picket your house carrying signs that proclaim my RIGHT to be there.
It's only fair, after all, because you have a nicer house than I do, and I'm just trying to better myself. I'm a hardworking and honest person, except for well, you know, I did break into your house.
And oh yeah, I get a free education, where you have to pay your own way through college.(TEEHEE)
And what a deal it is for me!!!
...I live in your house, contributing only a fraction of the cost of my keep, and there is nothing you can do about it without being accused of cold, uncaring, selfish, prejudiced, and bigoted behavior.
Oh yeah, I DEMAND that you to learn MY LANGUAGE!!! so you can communicate with me. Why can't people see how ridiculous this is?! ...Only in America.

What is lost in this debate is the fact that the reason people come here is that the country of origin lacks quality of life.

Why have we not put some requirement for those who are educated to return to their country of origin, put in some sweat equity to improve conditions, and then that time be applied as a credit for citizenship in the US? In the US, we call this the Peace Corps.

Everybody wins.

One day, an unemployed man was sitting in his house, watching his big screen TV and drinking beer, when there was a knock on his door. When he answered the door, a businessman said, "I've got a job for you. I can guarantee a year's work at good pay. It's long hours, and you'll be shoveling manure all day."

The unemployed man said, "Are you crazy? Shoveling manure!? My family has been in this country for five generations and you expect me to shovel manure for a living? Anyways, I've got six months of unemployment left." He slammed the door to his trailer and went back to drinking beer in front of his big screen TV.

On his way back to his office, the businessman saw a family of immigrants walking down the road. He pulled over and said to the man, "I've got a job for you. I can't tell you how long it will last. It's low pay, shoveling crap all day. You want it?"

The immigrant man immediately said, "Yes, I will take the job. Because some day I want to have my own small home, with enough food for my family and even a little TV to watch. I would like my children to be educated and my family to be here for many generations."

Well said - that's more of a real story than the fairy tales above about someone breaking into your home!

We are talking about less than 100 grads per year and not all go on to college but Joe would rather see them join a street gang and steal than get them educated and on the road to becoming a citizen....its the only country these kids have known and many join the military and die for it but again Joe and his pals can't see it.....they are idiots !!!!

OK:: First Off..I Deleted my earlier post which suggested there were more Liberals watching the Portsmouth Patch than I could have imagined. Stuart answered my post. I totally apologize for leaving him swinging in the wind by my post deletion.

After reading all the comments here.....Maybe I'm seeing the light. Let's take this to the next level. I still do not support the Governor .....because, ....based on what I have read here, I believe he has not gone far enough.

I suggest the Illegals be given FREE tuition. WHY NOT. If the Governors proposal is GOOD........wouldn't it be Even MORE Compassionate if it were FREE...NO..???

Illegal immigrants can not join the US Military.
To be eligible, you must be a permanent LEGAL resident (i.e. Green Card holder) or a citizen. If an illegal immigrant tries to join they will be denied and they risk getting arrested for fraud and deported if they try to use forged documents to join.

http://newsblog.projo.com/2011/02/us-ring-sold-fake-ids-to-immig.html

A federal indictment identifies a house on Sabin Street in Pawtucket as one of more than a dozen "cells" allegedly operated nationwide by a Mexico-based "highly sophisticated and violent" fraudulent-document trafficking operation.

Twenty-two people have been charged with operating the cartel that sold fake documents to illegal immigrants, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as part of an ongoing operation by ICE's Homeland Security Investigations dubbed "Operation Phalanx."

An indictment released Thursday by the U.S. Attorney's Office in Richmond, Va., charges the 22 with counts including murder, racketeering, money laundering and kidnapping.

According to the indictment, the cartel used cells in 19 cities and 11 states, including Rhode Island, to produce and sell driver's licenses, Social Security cards, work documents and other bogus documentation.

Cells were also operating in or around New Haven, Conn., and Chelsea, Mass., as well as Arkansas, Ohio, North Carolina, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio and Tennessee, according to the indictment.

"The indictment portrays a deadly criminal organization that uses brutal violence to eliminate rivals, protect its turf and enforce discipline against its own members," said U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Neil H. MacBride.

Prosecutors say the cells sent more than $1 million to Mexico from January 2008 to November 2010.

OH SHOOT: I almost forgot. If I am an ILEGAL........HOW DO I Prove It..???

Jim what does all that garbage have to do with the subject at hand ???? We are talking about kids who are here because their parents moved them here as babies or toddlers and have lived here their entire life, they have attended the same high school for 3 years and graduated they now want to go to college.......and become citizens. I guess if they pay out of state money it would be ok

Right or wrong they are not citizens and are here illegally.

That's a fact that no one's opinion here will change.

No one has questioned that "fact" all we said was "so what" and "big deal"

Perspective.

Secure Communities. Coming to an illegal near you in 2013.

How's that for perspective?

Jim you are sounding like a fertilizer salesman with a mouthful of samples

Both parties sold America down the drain. Save your party politics . There is plenty of blame to go around. The conservative movement will be what saves America. The Liberal Progressive agenda of big Government is finally coming to an end . It's just too bad we had to bankrupt the country to learn the lesson. With a $14.3 trillion national debt, and $150 trillion in unfunded liabilities. This nation is a sinking ship. Only the conservatives who planed for the worst will survive unscathed.

U.S. National Debt Clock : Real Time
www.usdebtclock.org/

Stuart I hope yuou don't mind me joining you, and Joe maybe you and Jim could share a room in the wonderful state of South Carolina

OMG: I completely misconscrewed Stuart. He is definitely SMOKING Somthin tonight. I think I might know you.....from afar...Stanford...?? Stuart..you can own up and free your soul tonight..

This country's history is apart of every family tree of those that ARE American citizens and those illegals and undocumented individuals are becoming apart of it the same way our ancestors did. However, charity starts at home. Let's provide an education to the Rhode Islanders that need it, want it and that will support this great state before any illegal immigrant. Plenty of RIers including myself could use the financial help in completing my education. An education that will result in obtaining a better job, ultimately receiving a higher salary resulting in higher taxes being paid to this great state! Myself and many other tax paying Rhode Island residents deserve assistance in an education before any "illegal". Why shouldn't our taxes benefit us first? Honestly can any of you disagree with that? Look to the future......you lose your job and your pounding the pavement looking for a job. Your resume is passed by and one of the illegal immigrants that received a free education thanks to Chafee just took your job! That's going to hurt.

Jane there is NO MONEY involved just the right to PAY the same rate as the other RI grads with a promice to become citizens.....where are you getting this FREE EDUCATION stuff, John DiPietro et all ????

There are a limited number of in state slots so for every illegal who attends at in state rates a real citizen and RI resident is left out.

I wonder how they work to pay the actual tuition? They don't have social security numbers or any legal documentation so they must be involved with ID theft which is a Federal crime.

Secure Communities to the rescue!

Jim , As their kids graduate, and have to leave RI to find work . Then reality will set in. As public education continues to degrade, reality will set in. Not untill it hits them at home, then they will understand the harm we are doing to our country..

Public policy is just words and no money is involved until action is taken. In this case, an illegal immigrant applies for in-state tuition, is accepted into one of RI's colleges, then applies for financial aid. Financial aid might be a federal program but it is state approved. The majority of these illegal immigrants will receive financial aid based on a probable lack of recorded wages within their families. Once they are approved then another legal tax paying Rhode Island resident will not be granted financial aid because of limitations in that program. Charity starts at home. An illegals action of applying for school is going to cost you money whether you accept that now or later.

Jane you are so wrong you could start your own radio talk show with Joe and Jim.....facts mean nothing, just make up your own and run

What part of my statement is wrong? What is your knowledge based on?

OK – So – I’m an illegal immigrant- I go to URI to get an education. Too bad if some other Portsmouth high grad can’t get in. What do I do now? How can I get a job if it is illegal to hire me? Or- is that one of those laws that also doesn’t need to be followed?

Jane it is ALL WRONG......read the bill you might learn something

I don't understand why the State is giving In-State Tuition to someone who doesn't qualify to attend the school in the first place because they don't have a student visa. This State keeps rewarding criminals, Yes I said criminals because that is what they are. They are breaking the law by being here and that's a fact Jack. You may feel it's ok for them to break the law but they are breaking the law so they are criminals. Any other country would put them in jail not send them to college. Anyone that says they don't cost us anything is wrong in-state tuition is lower because the State subsidizes the cost of the education. how do you qualify when you can't legally be a resident of the State in the first place. Let them go back to their country of origin apply for a student visa and wait in line behind all the other people legally applying to attend school here and are not trying to circumvent the rules for student visas. Do not reward inproper behaviour.

I don't think so. Maybe you should read the bill. A graduating illegal immigrant student attending a RI high school for no less then three years applies to a RI college, part of that application an affidavit is signed that the student will become a citizen once able. If accepted to the educational instituation then student pays the in-state tuition rates. The smart ones will fill out the citizen application immediately. It generally takes about 4 to 8 months to become a US Citizen after submitting the application. So they pay their first, maybe their second year of school that is if they do not receive private scholarships, which there are plenty. Then prior to their second year of college they complete their FAFSA form and will likely receive financial aid if they qualify. You are not gaurenteed fianncial aid locally when you are approved federally for it. I qualified for financial aid and was denied first acceptance and then financing through a RI college. I fought through the appeal process and thankfully won. In the future, that "NEW" citizen is going to school using financial aid on your tax paying dollar. How can you deny that?

So Jane you did not qualify for the free money so now you hate the world......the truth comes out

This is really good stuff. Too bad some people believe they are above the law.

How does Secure Communities work?

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) receives annual appropriations from Congress sufficient to remove a limited number of the more than 10 million individuals estimated to be in the U.S. who lack lawful status or are removable because of a criminal conviction. Given this reality, ICE must set sensible priorities.

Under the Obama administration, ICE has set clear and common-sense priorities for immigration enforcement focused on identifying and removing those aliens with criminal convictions. In addition to criminal aliens, ICE focuses on recent illegal entrants, repeat violators who game the immigration system, those who fail to appear at immigration hearings, and fugitives who have already been ordered removed by an immigration judge.

The parent is the illegal who then birthed their children in this country. I say give them the instate tuition discount and let them get an education. Give them a discount now, or pay later when they're on assistance! I would take it a step further however and add a stipulation that they must agree to pay taxes to the state they were educated in for the next 4 years (or however many they spend in college) following graduation..

To Tonya's point and Bob's...If they are illegal, (came as infants, raised here but remain illegal) I agree they should receive the instate tuition discount and then have to pay taxes to the state that they were provided the discount/education in as proposed by Tonya. They were educated in the state's public school system , we should therefore follow through and give them the discount otherwise it's one more person on the system and we PAY ANYWAY! I agree Tonya!

This entire blog has gone the way of so many others here....everyone wants to blame the other side. It's either the "lefty liberals" fault, or the "right wing teabaggers"...Well kids, I hate to point this out to you, but your all wrong. We are all Americans, We are all to blame. The Republicans are just as much to blame as the Democrats. And I have a news flash for the righties....several of your POTUS candidates are in favor of some form of an amnesty........So, just a word of advice, stop the mud slinging and do something. Otherwise, shut up.

GUYS!.....this is very simple; THEY ARE ILEGAL HERE........they should ALL be "round-up" and droped across the border.................I went trough "HELL" to get here Legal so/......WHY SHOULD I PAY FOR THEY'RE EDUCATION OR ANYTHING ELSE?..Get in here "LEGAL" and I will open my heart to them.......ALL of them except the ones that will push they "religion" on me..........YES...I am an IMIGRANT but a legal one.

I hate to say this, but if you're offspring of an illegal immigrant, then why are you getting state-funded education? This makes NO sense! I have to pay because the parents not in this country legally happened to fornicate and have offspring and now that offspring wants to go to college and I, RI Tax Payer has to foot the bill?

1) Just HOW LONG have the non-resident parents been in Rhode Island to not only have children but to see them off to college?
2) Since the parents are illegal, what is THEIR tax burden? If you cannot work legitimately in this state without being a citizen, how much of what ever undeclared income they receive is going to pay for the taxes to send their offspring to college?

SOLUTION: Make the legal citizenship process easier for parents. You want your kid to go to a state college with state-funded tuition, put up you hand, take the pledge, get a Social Security number and start paying taxes like everyone else. Then you and/or your offspring can have this thing we live for here in the USA, Student Loan Payments.

NOTE TO CHAFFEE - Streamline the state immigration process, not the process for loans to illegals!

There should be immigration reform. It's as simple as a question on a form when EVERY child is registered for school, that is if we have the courage to ask the question. Not in the country legally, then you have no right to be here and the citizens of this country/state certainly have no obligation to provide an education for the children who are also here illegally. (Then deportation proceedings should begin if necessary}. Why should we spend all the money required to educate a child who should not be in this country. Parents who choose to enter this country illegally must have some clue that they are doing something wrong and their actions could have negative repercussions for them, so even if the children had no choice in the matter of coming here that should not entitle them to a "free"pass to an education and any social programs. So, no to in-state tuition. I have no problem whatsoever with those, regardless of country of origin, who have done the right thing and abided by the immigration policies of this country and become legal citizens here.