Oregon governor signs tuition equality bill

Oregon's Governor Kitzhaber has signed a tuition equality bill for undocumented students who meet certain criteria. Even though the article doesn't mention it, it takes effect June 30, just in time for the 2013-2014 school year.

http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/i...gns_tuiti.html

SALEM -- Gov. John Kitzhaber on Tuesday morning signed into law a bill that grants in-state tuition to undocumented Oregon high school graduates who meet certain criteria.
"Friends, a dream has become a reality," Kitzhaber said after signing the bill, which he described as a "long overdue policy change."

Kitzhaber then held the signed bill up in the air as dozens of supporters in the standing-room-only crowd cheered and clapped.

Senate President Peter Courtney, who first introduced a tuition equity bill in 2003, brought with him to the ceremony Laura Lanka, a retired educator who was principal of Woodburn High School when she asked Courtney to introduce the bill.

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Continuing coverage of the tuition equity debate in Oregon. Tuition equity legislation cleared the Senate in 2003 and 2011, but never cleared the House. This year, the bill originated in the House, which passed it Feb. 22. The Senate approved it March 21.

House Bill 2787 grants in-state tuition for undocumented students who have attended school in the country for at least five years; studied at an Oregon high school for at least three years, and graduated; and show intention to become a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. Oregon joins at least a dozen states in allowing undocumented students to pay the lower rates reserved for residents.

-- Yuxing Zheng

excellent news, ballin'

I live in Oregon but I did not graduate high school in Oregon. I graduated in New Jersey. Not sure how this is going to play out for me.

One of the conditions is that you must of have graduated from an Oregon high school. But there may be a loophole somewhere.

nah I read the proposal not even some graduates of high school are eligible has to been recent

Whatver. I'll check temporary resident or whatever on the application. I dont think they'll do a background check on me and my status.

yeah they don't good thing they won't ask you for a SSN or anything

I don't think it's a good idea. This could hurt your chance to legalize in the future. However, there are other ways to get funds for your education. The way I do it is first I attempt a community for the two years. I earned 60 credits for about $12000, $200 dollars for each credit. Then I transfer to a 4 year university. I was able to get a few thousand dollars of scholarship. I'm currently supporting my final 2 years of education with combination of scholarship, job, and small loans. I know it is difficult to get a college degree when you don't live in state like CA or NY, but it is still possible if you plan carefully.

I'm not worried. I'll have the money. I just dont want to pay out of state. And no I dont think it'll affect me in the future. I did it for my university in NJ. They didnt care.

I just hope anti immigration groups don't use that post to show we are all lying