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Richard Piatt ReportingEmotions turned to outrage at the State Capitol today after a House committee voted to overturn a law that grants instate tuition to the children of illegal immigrants. Legally, this House committee says it acted to the letter of the law today. But larger, unresolved immigration issues left a lot of people feeling personally hurt--even discriminated against.
People exited the packed hearing room, some with tears in their eyes. The emotion is tied to a bill to repeal the right to in-state college tuition for children of undocumented immigrants.
Kris Kobach, Attorney: "The state's hands are tied because congress has said you can't give instate tuition to illegal aliens unless you want to give instate tuition to every US citizen."
Delores Delgado Bernal, U of U Professor: "There's a real irony and a real evilness in saying we're here to uphold the law."
During the hearing concern over the lack of Congressional action to address this, or any immigration issue, was expressed.
Rep. LeVar Christensen, (R) Draper: "We have a legitimate problem here and that's why I recommend the bill be passed out favorably."
Rep. Jim Ferrin, (R) Orem: "Unfortunately, this is one of those bills I'm going to have to hold my nose and vote for."
But there is a whiff of something more for Latino students and families and one legislator.
Rep. Duane Bourdeaux, (D) Salt Lake City: "And I sit here the ten years that I've been in the legislature, and this type of legislation, and what drives it, and it's unfortunate."
There were more bad feelings on top of that. Time for public comment was limited to inviting those opposing the bill to stand.
Stephanie Murguia, Student: "The fact that no one opposing house bill 7 was allowed to speak was very strategic on the part of Rep. Donnnelson and the lawyers to take up all the time."
Still, this committee took a stand to follow the letter of the law. Members of this committee tried to point out they favor higher education for everyone, urging Congress to make the changes necessary to ensure opportunities exist for immigrants as well as everyone else.
