BY Patricia Alex, Staff Writer. The Record.
Mayors of 10 New Jersey cities have signed a letter supporting legislation that would allow some students in the United States illegally to be eligible for in-state tuition and scholarship aid at public colleges and universities.
The letter is addressed to state lawmakers and was made public on Tuesday by a group pushing for passage of the proposed law.
The state Senate’s Budget Committee is scheduled to discuss a bill Thursday that would provide for so-called tuition equality and state aid for the students, many of whom were brought here by their parents as children and have graduated from New Jersey high schools.
Now, they pay out-of-state tuition, which is generally double what New Jersey residents pay. Because they are not legal residents, they also are not eligible for state or federal financial aid or loans.
A similar measure is pending in the State Assembly that would make the students eligible for in-state tuition but not financial aid.. Advocates say the aid – in the form of the state’s Tuition Assistance Grants – is essential in providing fairness for the students.
Governor Christie initially said the state couldn’t afford tuition equality, but later endorsed the proposal while running for re-election. However, he has not said if he would sign legislation that included financial assistance.
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