June 01, 2011
In his letter to the editor about the recently passed bill to allow illegal aliens to pay in-state tuition at Maryland colleges and universities stated, Roger Caplan said he found the term "alien" offensive. The definition of "alien" in my dictionary is simply: "one who is not a naturalized citizen of the country where they are living." Maybe he does not understand the meaning of the word "illegal."
He then goes on to explain the bill and that it "Sounds like a reasonable plan ...", thus ignoring several facts:
1. These illegal aliens will only pay in-state tuition, but be counted as part of the 30 percent of seats reserved for out-of-state students. This deprives the educational institution of the total income and the depth of diversity intended. Us taxpayers will make up the income lost.
2. This bill implies that an amnesty will be forthcoming, since otherwise the illegal aliens are still ineligible to legally work in this country.
3. These are still individuals who entered the country illegally. Even though many were brought here by their parents, giving them higher education at in-state rates only strengthens the magnet that induced their parents to enter the country illegally.
4. Illegals should not be given priority over those who abide by our laws and patiently wait in their own countries for legal entry. Some say our immigration system is "broken." What is broken is the will to enforce the immigration laws already passed.
Del. Neil Parrott is doing the right thing trying to bring this bill to referendum. A referendum is merely the legal way for voters to say they want to decide the issue. The immigration issue has engendered much contentious debate on both sides. Whether you favor this bill or not, the only reasonable approach now it to take it out of partisan hands and put it to a popular vote. Please visit MDPetitions.com to find out more and sign the petition to referendum so that all of us can decide if this bill is wise.
O. P. Ditch
Elkridge
