NumbersUSA
January 11, 2010
A vote scheduled in the New Jersey state senate to allow illegal aliens to receive state-subsidized, in-state tuition rates at the state’s colleges and universities was canceled on Monday. The bill’s sponsor said he lacked the necessary votes to pass the measure when Senators came under constituent pressure, in-part due to phone calls from NumbersUSA Members.
“We just don’t have enough votes,” said N.J. Sen. Ronald Rice.
“I’m hugely disappointed. This was a matter of fairness,” said Sen. M. Teresa Ruiz.
If passed, the bill would have allowed the estimated 2,000 illegal aliens in New Jersey who attended a New Jersey high school for at least three years and hold a diploma or equivalent pay reduced rates. The in-state tuition rate in New Jersey is about $11,000, half as much as the out-of-state rate.
Governor-elect Chris Christie will be sworn in next week, and he opposes the measure, so legislators will be unable to bring back up the issue while he’s in office.
View a map of states that provide in-state tuition rates to illegal aliens.
