Virginia ‘Dream Act’ bill clears House panel

Virginia’s version of the Dream Act cleared a House subcommittee Tuesday with unanimous, bipartisan support.

The bill will allow undocumented students who graduate from commonwealth high schools to pay in-state tuition rates at Virginia colleges and universities.

The bill was sponsored by Del. Thomas Davis Rust (R-Fairfax), with Del. Alfonso Lopez (D-Arlington) listed as chief co-sponsor. Del. Kaye Kory (D-Fairfax) had a similar bill that was incorporated into Rust’s bill.

The bill applies to people who entered the country illegally prior to their 16th birthdays, have lived in the commonwealth for the past five years, are pursuing permanent residency and have graduated from a Virginia high school. Their parents or guardians must have paid state income taxes for the past year.

The legislation passed the House Higher Education Subcommittee with support from Rust and another Republican, Del. James P. Massie of Henrico. Another Republican, Del. L. Mark Dudenhefer of Stafford, was not able to attend but sent an aide to voice his support.

The bill will be heard by the full Higher Education Committee Wednesday.


Source: The Washington Post

Congrats
I wish michigan can do something like this

Damn. Even Virginia is getting with the program.

Nothing has been achieved yet, but we hope to make it a reality soon.

"Their parents or guardians must have paid state income taxes for the past year"

I don't know about this. How can you show that.

I am a little concern about that one too but your parents can still be able to pay taxes for the past years and be up to date I believe so it shouldn't be a problem.

What do you mean when you say " I wish Michigan can do something like this". I thought Michigan already gives instate tuition?

I hope this serves as an example for red states like florida. The gov hasn't even been seen in public since Romney lost. I think he could be a vampire.

I guess Im lucky to live in Nevada. I get in state tuition just because I graduated from a Nevada highschool. No bill was necessary and they dont put any conditions like "you have to persue residency in the future". I also got a scholarship from the state without any problems..

Good for you.