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Copyright 2010 The Somerville News and Prospect Hill Publishing, Inc. The Somerville News is the only locally owned and operated community newspaper in Somerville.
Representative Denise Provost is fighting for better opportunities for children of illegal immigrants. ~Photo by Andrew Firestone
By Andrew Firestone
Somerville representatives are supporting a new measure, picking up where the aborted DREAM act left off. Representative Denise Provost has proposed a bill that would support illegal immigrants and allow them to pay in-state rates for tuition to state universities if they meet a high academic standard.
The bill has found support with Governor Deval Patrick, who said it was of utmost importance to the Committee on Higher Education. It was proposed by Representative Provost, along with Sen. Sonia Chang-Diaz of Boston and Rep. Alice Wolf of Cambridge. The rest of the Somerville delegation, including Patricia Jehlen, Sal DiDomenico, Carl Sciortino, and Tim Toomey have also supported the bill.
“This small number of new students could be accommodated by the 29 campuses at virtually no additional cost,” said Provost in a statement. She estimated that the increased opportunity for illegal immigrants, who would pay taxes, could be as much as $7.4 million in revenue.
“These students are not eligible for financial aid and thus currently must pay out-of-state rates in full or abandon their goal of an advanced degree,” said Sciortino. “Allowing them to pay in-state tuition through legislation would generate more revenue for Massachusetts public colleges, and the greater number of educated workers resulting from enrollment would increase tax revenue by millions of dollars in the Commonwealth.”
“We think it is sensible for the Commonwealth. People who have been in our high schools and done well should be able to go carry on at University pending some serious immigration reform,” said American Civil Liberties Union representative Nancy Walker. “I think this has been recognized even by Congress, that this is the way to go. And we are pleased that the governor has responded favorably to it.”
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Well I feel that children should receive an education. During their elementary/high school education they learn about math, history, science, etc. History taught about how the immigrants came to Ellis Island & followed the process to U.S. citizenship. School also teaches about dignity & respect which includes obeying the laws.
The American Civil Liberties Union is a farce & disgrace and has lost its credibility when it announced it was going to represent the terrorists in Cuba who on 9-11, killed thousands of American.men, women, children.
So once these kids obtain legal status, I do not see an issue but until they do our taxpayer dollars should not support this issue.
Also the legislators who support this have betrayed their constituents and their elected positions in that they are law makers and now support violation of the laws. They are New Wave Communists and action such as theirs tears down this country. They should be charged with treason.
What am I missing? If they are illegal immigrants,then they cannot be employed legally, right? So, how does this work: “and the greater number of educated workers resulting from enrollment would increase tax revenue by millions of dollars…”? I’m all for doing something that increases revenues, but I am not sure I buy it. Perhaps they should pay more than in-state, but less than out-of-state. A compromise…
“illegal immigrants”??. No shocker here with our Reps. Medical marijuana next?
“Allowing them to pay in-state tuition through legislation would generate more revenue for Massachusetts public colleges, and the greater number of educated workers resulting from enrollment would increase tax revenue by millions of dollars in the Commonwealth.”
This is an ASSUMPTION with little or no actual evidence to back it up. What percentage of retention (of these hypothetical graduates) does this consider? 50%? 75%? 100%? In other words, how many are projected to leave the Commonwealth once they get their degree here?
I’d like to see the spreadsheet or model from which these figures are derived. And I’d like to see a meaningful definition of the phrase “virtually no additional cost” as it applies to this.
I wonder if any of the people supporting this measure have any idea how difficult it already is to get accepted to any of our state colleges/universities. Now you want to add lots of people who are illegal, but will obviously enjoy ‘minority status’, thus giving them a leg up in the acceptance/aid/grant arenas. I know lots of good, deserving students who are already not being accepted at these schools because of the large numbers of applications. I wonder when people will start voting out these politicians who are actively, openly working for people illegally living in our country at the expense of the legal, voting, tax-paying citizens.
Another discount for illegals. They got up to a high school education for free and you want to reward them with a discounted education. What about the real American Citizens. That is who you should be supporting. Take my tax dollars for Citizens not illegals. What is wrong with politicians nowadays. You keep this up and you will ruin this country. The city of Somerville already pays enough for illegals education free food etc. When will all the stupidity end.
I’ll bet there are aren’t many Illegals in the immediate neighborhoods of the politicians that are all for this action. I mean it goes without saying. I guarantee I will make note of these politicians and I will certainly remember them on election day. Until these people are voted out of office, they will never understand why the LEGAL citizens, who they supposedly are working for, do not want this to happen. EVER!
For the other people who have posted already, I think you’d be very interested in this site http://StandWithArizona.com/ on Facebook.
So as usual we Americans come last. We have to pay extra or not go at all as Americans. Where are the brains God gave them? I see all the names of the pols who are for this but where are the ones working for us Americans?????? No wonder we are in so much trouble here with these …(can’t even say it) Supposingly working for us. They are illegal! Send them back and let them come in legally like so many others and pay taxes and learn English. These pols have no common sense at all. These pols make me sick . We have got to these polls out of ofiice and get some Americans in there.
I didn’t say anything about the ACLU, that speaks for itself.
Can our representatives be MORE out of touch with the average person that lives in and pays taxes in Somerville? We need to vote all of them out. Usless career politicians. Good lord it is mind numbing to think that these people have any say over things that affect us.
My son, who was born here also was a Marine for in the American armed forces, his daughter was born here. She is old enough to go to college but money is a problem so she had to give up that idea and pursue another line of work. I am just so sick and tired of having Americans placed last once again. I just can’t believe this, what a slap on the face to people who fought and died for this country. At least put the thing up for a vote and let us, the public, Americans vote on it. Should not be left up to a select few who know nothing of the real world. I still can’t believe it.
ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS!!! GIVE ILLEGALS THE RIGHT TO FURTHER THEIR EDUCATION. WHY DON’T WE JUST MAKE THEM LEGAL. IT IS TIME FOR CHANGE FROM THE WHITE TO THE STATE HOUSE. IT CAN NOT GET MORE LIBERAL THEN THIS. I AM FED UP WITH ALL THESE FREE PASSES FOR ILLEGALS. I AM A SON OF AN IMMIGRANT AND MY PARENTS GOT NOTHING GIVEN TO THEM. I CAN NOT WAIT TO VOTE FOR CHANGE BECAUSE WHAT IS IN THE FEDERAL AND STATE GOVERNMENT ABSOLUTELY IS AWFUL!!!
As a American citizen who had to SUE my law school for unfair denial of in-state tuition (and won)…I think it is fundamentally unfair to give in-state tuition to non-citizens when citizens are often denied.
“Representative Denise Provost has proposed a bill that would support illegal immigrants and allow them to pay in-state rates for tuition to state universities ** if they meet a high academic standard **.”
A few questions here: 1) How many of these students would there be each year? 2) Would accepting these students mean that some US students meeting similar academic standards would actually be denied access to these Universities?
While I would be in favor of some exceptions (that is, truly gifted students who happen to be illegal immigrants), in general I don’t see the fairness in this proposed scheme.
Stumpy, I thought what Arizona tried to do which was only follow the law was great. Can’t remember her name but maybe she should should run for president. Provost has always been off the wall and is getting worse. There is none there that I have ever voted for including Deval. At least I have done something right in my life. What gets me is malnutrition is up in American children, maybe we could use that money to feed our own starving children instead. Makes me sick that any child here in this country for whatever reason should go to bed wothout food. Lets take care of our own for a change.
Our son (SHS 2007) is at UMass-Boston. He’d received the John and Abigail Adams scholarship upon graduating from HS and summarily lost it after the second semester of his freshman year for falling a fraction of a precentage below the GPA requirement. It wasn’t a HUGE amount, but it helped. He has maintained a 4.0 GPA ever since, is carrying two majors, tutors over 20 students in A&P and Biology, and is going to South Africa in January as part of an Honors Program class on Epidemiology and Infectious Diseases. In addition to that, he plans to re-take the class he got the low grade in that dropped his average down in early 2008. So… does he (or my wife and I who, I’m sorry to say, are guilty of being American citizens, both work full time, and have always paid taxes to the Commonwealth) qualify for any financial aid consideration? Why… OF COURSE NOT!!!
And tell us more about this ACLU “serious immigration reform”. I generally don’t like to use the word “Moonbat”, but this one just screams out for it!
another great reason for term limits.
Another reason to start cleaning house and wipe all these asswipes out of office! She is no different then her mentor Sen. Jehlan, as a matter of fact watch for this one Denise Provost to run for Pat’s seat once the wacko senator retires. We need to forget party affiliation and stop voting Democrat its not the same. Start from the bottom up, vote against all incumbents this year and if they are unopposed vote blank, send a message.
well said Laura. I would vote for you !
JAR – your son sounds like a wonderful young man. Maintaining a GPA like that takes a lot of hard work and dedication. Congratulations to him, your wife and yourself. The future is promising, when we have young people like him taking their place as responsible, giving citizens of the world.
Wouldn’t it be nice if all the posts here reflected reality (ehmm, right, I too have to hold 4 jobs to support my 7 brilliant kids and do I get a break? LOL)?
It’s fun to read though, and laugh at all the lunatics in MA, both left and right!
TERM LIMITIS FOR ALL ELECTED OFFICIALS BECAUSE THEY GET TOO COMFORTABLE AND THEY ONLY CARE FOR THEMSELVES,
Elio LoRusso Difference is I would bet your parents were too proud to take handouts. These people expect it and believe they deserve it. And voters will put back these dumb pols just like they did with Deval. I always believed we should take care of things here first and after that if there is leftover we help others. The same as we little peeons. If there is money left over after I pay my bills and so forth I give what I can. And with my income it won’t be a lot. Illegals have killed a little of my business but some of my customers are still loyal to me. My wife lost half of her business to illegals. She had to get a part time job because of the loss of business. I have written to Senator Brown, the reply had a lot of words in it. Obviously our pols know how we fell about the illegal situation which is why I think they push these things on us. Like putting gasoline in the fire. I just don’t get it. Which office is Laura running for?
Laura, you said it. If they are opposed, vote against them. if they are unopposed, put a mark next to ‘blank’. It’s embarassing and might actually send a message to ‘lose’ to ‘blank’! Start with the mayor and go up from there.
A Moore, I totally agree with you. I own and operate a family run business in the city which my dad started some 40 years ago. I am having the same problem with illegals running the same type of business in the surrounding area. They under cut the cost of goods and make it harder forth good people to do business. It gets better, the drive with international licenses and get away with it. What an awful, disgusting and ridiculous system in this state. Can not wait to clean up the state and federal leaders who allow this to happen. Meanwhile we pay through the nose in taxes and health insurance. I do not even want to talk about health insurance because that is another FRAUD. Another reason we need new leadership.
Jamie, I support the mayor. He has definitely cleaned up the city and it’s image. He is trying real hard to make good for Somerville. The issue at hand is more at a state and federal matter. Reform is needed. The way the budget is handled is a mess. Spending control is out of hand, due to the fact of a failing health care system which makes no sense at all. We need to control spending and cut out all these programs which are only draining the budget. America should take care of America and not worry about then rest of the world. Bring home our brave men and women.
17 other states already have a Dream Act, and that those states have a lower high school dropout rate, higher federal school reimbursement rate, and lower crime and gang membership than this one, and, finally, that one of those states is even Texas! It is one thing to rant about “illegals” but the nature of the immigration law closes options for those brought here in infancy and illegal only under the narrowest of interpretations of that law. College is both an incentive and a reward, and a tool to legitimacy, since much, much higher ratios of college educated “illegals” become legal, join the US military, and serve their new country than ratios of “the good old folk.” The critical gains are so many, and so serious, and so consistent with “the land of opportunity,” that 90% of these comments are deeply “un-American.”
JAR: I don’t know your financial situation and why you don’t qualify for financial aid, but in any case… I fail to see your point. Isn’t your son getting an in-state tuition rate at a state school? If you re-read the article, that’s what the article is saying. Providing an in-state tuition rate to these students.
There are some downsides to this proposal, but I think one upside is that there would be even more competition to get into these schools. Many posts are complaining about more competition as if it were a bad thing, but I see it the other way around. Many kids aren’t working hard enough in high school to compete internationally (or nationally). We want the best and brightest making it into the schools. More competition will make sure that fewer kids without drive will get in. After all, some might argue that using tax payer money to subsidize college for kids that don’t really care to be there is a wasteful spending.
Joe, the documented costs and negatives impacts the dream act has on Americans and legal immigrants are well known. http://www.cis.org/dream-act-costs
Sadly, Joe, we don’t have unlimited funds educate criminals. I wish we all lived in your bubble, but we don’t.
Also, what part of illegal is hard for you to understand? Let me help you….
il·le·gal /ɪˈligəl/ Show Spelled[ih-lee-guhl] adjective
1. forbidden by law or statute.
2. contrary to or forbidden by official rules, regulations, etc.: The referee ruled that it was an illegal forward pass.
When someone comes to this country in a manner “contrary to or forbidden by official rules, regulations” that’s illegal. Why should we allow criminals to use resources meant for Americans?
And Joe, your comment “…17 other states already have a Dream Act, and that those states have a lower high school dropout rate, higher federal school reimbursement rate, and lower crime and gang membership than this one…” is a complete pant load.
MA has a graduation rate of 81.5% — the states (not 17 – more like 11) that have laws similair to the dream act include; CA, TX, NM, IL, MD, WA, NY, OK, NE, KS — all of which have higher dropout rates and most of which have MUCH higher crime and gang related violence.
It never helps your argument when you just make up stuff. You ought to know that by now.
Armando: My point was that the additional cost for out-of-state admissions, in theory at least, keeps in-state rates down. Further, I feel that the assertion by the champions of this proposal that this will result in additional tax revenues for the Commonwealth is a thin argument. The bottom line is that I will be paying higher, not lower, tuition and fees to UMass with this.
Can someone explain to me how Rep Provost statement that they would pay taxes would work? Will they become legal becuase I and other tax payers paid for a free education?
i agree w/the majority…WHY should we use tax dollars to support peeps (& their ILLEGAL kids), when the $/spots should go to OUR kids!!!–i’m from texas & gov perry passed this CRAP here…ok they’re ILLEGAL, they DON’T PAY TAXES (& NEITHER DO THEY’RE ILLEGAL PARENTS), so they get a coveted spot at the university of their choice (while our kids miss out), so a FEW of them graduate (the drop out rate is much higher), so they have a degree that they use WHERE????….cuz hello they ARE STILL ILLEGAL!!!…have these pols ever heard the phrase: “throwing good money after BAD”????
Regardless of if one is legal or not my personal feeling is that we as taxpayers we owe kids an education. However I feel we only owe them to the extent of getting them through high school. After that that is their problem. I don’t think it is up to the government to go any further( I am ducking so I don’t get hit). Then the money that people or companies or whatever want to contribute would take up the rest of it. Nothing personal, just as a taxpayer I believe that is the extent of my duty. And I do not want to pay for ilegal anything except to ship them back and make them a burden to their own country until they can come in here like so many before legally and make their own way and pay taxes. We have enough of our own here that don’t pay thier own way, we don’t need extras. Our government right now needs to get their butt in gear and take care fo the mess they have gotten into with their overspending as it is. I suppose we would have a better chance at world peace. When and if we have extra then we can give that away if we(US) so desire. I have to pay and work for what I have, no one is giving me a handout. I am not sure if some of these pols know what it like to go out and make a living. Get by on what one earns, not take precription drugs because of price. Can’t see a doctor because if I take the time off I won’t have enough money to make my Romney payments and get fined. Have not had a vacation for over 5 years and so much more. Send Provost back with the ilegals.
Here we go again. A politician without a clue. The students won’t rush to pay taxes and their parents won’t volunteer to do so but there will be more illegals not paying taxes coming to MA for the in state tuition. For each student you talk about lets say there are 10 more family members living in the state collecting from the American taxpayer. If you want to give illegals in state tuition why not have their parents and siblings turn themselves in and stop them from collecting free medical schooling food and housing if their child gets lower tuition before an American does. If you do that then you will save the State some money. No other way is the State going to get more dollars from illegals. 50, Fifty percent or more of Somerville students are illegal and we cater to them by having extra bilingual teachers and classes and that costs American taxpayers money. You can say all you want that by having more students in the city you get more federal funds but the Federal funds come from American taxpayers so what are you thinking. The city of Somerville would save the State and Federal government taxpayers money if we did away with sanctuary city and started to obey Federal law which says santuary cities are illegal. The city harbors and welcomes more and more illegals to come here and caters to them. Stop the freebies for illegals and start worrying about the elderly and life long residents of this city. Why not have the city publish what we spend on illegal students each year for education and free lunches. Residents would be surprised by how much is already spent on illegals in this city which is paid for by the legal taxpayers. If Provost thinks it cost the State nothing then she is living in a dream world. We taxpayers pay for all of it with our state and federal taxes.
This is sheer lunacy. The key word is ILLEGAL like the ILLEGAL who just killed an innocent American on a motorcycle in Milford. If people want to come to this country, get in line and follow the LEGAL process for citizenship that many past immigrants followed to become citizens.
These out of touch politicians want these illegals to get a fast track to citizenship because they know they will vote for the liberal democrats who are slowly destroying this country with their votes and policies.
A lawful American citizen from another state who served in our military would have to pay out of state tuition while an illegal would pay less if the moonbats get their way.
I wonder if Denise Provost or Pat Jehlen would care to tell us how they feel about the killing of this young American citizen by an ILLEGAL immigrant? For that matter I’d like to know what Mayor Curtatone thinks about it. I still remember him a few years back addressing a large crowd of illegals at Foss Park telling them “Let me make one thing clear-this is yor City.” No it’s not, your honor! They are here ILLEGALLY! All you people are doing is pandering for votes. If Curtatone,Provost,Jehlen,Kerry,Obama and the rest get their way, the illegals will steal our country from us.
I welcome new immigrants who come here legally and follow the process. We all have immigrant roots and we are a nation of immigrants-let’s make sure LEGAL immigration rules and laws stay in place.
Jack Johnson, you asked a good question and there is a good answer. . When people get an education, in general, they earn more money. When they have more money to spend, they pay sales tax, When they rent an apartment, their rent helps the landlord pay real estate taxes. (I am a landlord myself, and I rely on that!) If they work in any kind of job with a regular payroll system, they pay Social Security taxes and other taxes that they cannot take advantage of themselves. In that case, they are subsidizing you and me.
Hillson, and when talked to the ilegal immigrant just shrugged his shoulders. Certainly makes me feel all warm and fuzzy all over.
Vote this one and her buddies Pat and Carl out of office next year, start this year by voting in the local elections against anyone that is in office now or if they are unopposed vote Blank send a message. Every single one of these people have their own personal agenda here to keep their jobs and career alive so they can have that prized pension and retire. We need to go back to Part time state legislators with part time pay, seems the more they are at their desk at the state house they become dangerous and think more ways to spend your money.
Gene, don’t leave a blank when you vote. I will write in ABC in the mayor’s race. This stands for “anybody but Curtatone.” You can also write in ABP for Provost, ABJ for anybody but Jehlen, etc.. This sends a better message than just leaving it blank.
Hillson says: I will write in ABC in the mayor’s race. This stands for “anybody but Curtatone.” You can also write in ABP for Provost, ABJ for anybody but Jehlen, etc.. This sends a better message than just leaving it blank
Does not matter a bit, they just do not care about the citizens of Somerville. Over and over again they just do what they want. We need not only to get them out of ofiice but to have some say in the city. I work hard, pay my taxes and I am law abiding but I am tired of staying in this bent over position. If they told me kitchen yellow and I went to their house and painted the livingroom black they would know what it’s like to us. I just don’t know how they can sleep at night.
Everyone complains. But you all get what you vote for!!!
These previously mentioned politicians WIN their respective elections OVERWHELMINGLY all the time.
Problem is from people I talk to in Somerville is the devil they know thing. Last election many wanted LeFuente(spelling) or Bill White but were afraid of change. These people are complaining more now since Ocean State was turned away they see what is happening more now. I stiill expect they will vote the same again regardless. They really do want Curatone, Provost and Jehlen out of here but just like Deval they will once again put them back in and we will still be in this same mess. Arizona had the right idea and we should be supporting this as Americans.
Billy, they win because they lie and don’t tell the truth, they prey on the fact that most of the old timers only vote Democratic because they were taught by their parents years ago to do that. Change comes slowly, We need to vote from the bottom up these people out of office, this year is city elections, vote for any new comer against and incumbent and if and incumbent isn’t challenged then vote blank, these guys see blanks and its like blood in the water, next time around the sharks will be out… The economy will get worse because of the left leaning liberals want to create a nanny state for us, but eventually they run out of money to give away. Either that or we need to circulate a petition state wide for TERM limits for everyone, enough signatures to put it on the ballot and then watch them to see what they do.
Capuanuo, Jehlen, Provost and Sciortino have all benefited from the fact that no one with a chance has run against them in the democrat primaries. As democrats we all know these aren’t real democrats — they’re socialists who when running for office claim they’re moderate democrats to get our votes. Then when they’re in office they practice their hard left socialism and cater to only special interests. Capuano is even dumb enough to have gotten on the list published by the Democrat Socialists of America as pledging that he is a socialist – what an embarrassment.
They all know that with the (D) next to their name they’re going to win in the general election. Our only hope is to primary them, but they’ve gotten such a stranglehold in the democratic party (thru their special interest groups and $$$) it’s almost impossible to get anyone worthy to run against them. Term limits would be great, but – again – no chance.
None of the people who represent us has ever run a business, cut a tax or created a job for anyone they represent. It’s pretty sad that we allow them to be our voice. Something needs to change.
@Dennis Fishmann….what you say may be true. But then what is the rationale for denying in state tuition to any US citizen?
+++++++++++++
Jack Johnson, you asked a good question and there is a good answer. . When people get an education, in general, they earn more money. When they have more money to spend, they pay sales tax, When they rent an apartment, their rent helps the landlord pay real estate taxes. (I am a landlord myself, and I rely on that!) If they work in any kind of job with a regular payroll system, they pay Social Security taxes and other taxes that they cannot take advantage of themselves. In that case, they are subsidizing you and me.
Also, if you want to lessen illegal immigration, as opposed to legal immigration, it is not a good idea to support public policies which encourage illegal immigration by giving benefits to illegal immigrants…whether that is drivers licenses, in state tuition, or anything else…
I am not unsympathetic to illegal immigrants. But we need sound public policy.
Also, I am quite surprised that Somerville keeps electing these fringe left wing local politicians.