Virginia continues to allow college in state tuition to illegal immigrants

The state Senate of Virginia's Education and Health Committee narrowly rejected a bill barring state colleges and universities from granting in state tuition to illegal immigrants yesterday.

The committee voted 8-7 to reject the bill sponsored by Del. John S. Reid, R-Henrico. Reid said his bill reflects an attorney general's opinion issued last June that says if Virginia lets undocumented students pay the cheaper in-state rates, then it must grant the cheaper rates to all citizens of the United States, regardless of where they live.

However, another measure involving tuition for illegal immigrants remains alive in the House.

A proposal offered by state Sen. Emmett W. Hanger Jr., R-Augusta, originally sought to let illegal immigrants receive in-state tuition, but only if they met certain requirements such as pursuing legal status and having graduated from a Virginia high school.

I'm all for changing the immigration law and whatnot, and allowing more immigration, but if someone is here illegally why is it that I, as a lifetime (21 years) resident of Virginia, should be competing against an illegal immigrant for entrance into our top universities??