CONCORD – House Republican Leader Gene Chandler (R-Bartlett) today offered the following statement on House Bill 474, which allows for in-state tuition within the University System of New Hampshire (USNH) for certain illegal immigrants. The bill was heard in the House Education Committee today.
House Republican Leader Gene Chandler
“Awarding in-state tuition to illegal immigrants undermines our immigration laws and is exactly the wrong message we should be sending especially in these tough economic times in which it is difficult enough for families to send their own children to college let alone footing the bill for those who aren’t playing by the rules. It’s wrong to force taxpayers of New Hampshire to subsidize a post-secondary education for those who are breaking the law and, themselves, not paying taxes. Furthermore, giving such fringe benefits to illegal aliens circumvents federal law and would attract more illegal immigrants here, viewing New Hampshire as a sanctuary state. New Hampshire is made up of many citizens that have chosen to relocate here, and we welcome and encourage that. But this should be done in a lawful way that is fair to those who have become citizens by following the rules. We should be focused on lowering tuition costs and providing scholarships for those who legally call New Hampshire home.”