Out-of-state tuition for undocumented immigrants?

A forum at Dalton State College Tuesday brought members of the community out to address representatives of the Board of Regents. At issue is whether colleges will still be able to grant so-called "presidential waivers" after the Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act of 2006 goes into effect July first.

Presidential waivers can be granted to any out-of-state or international student at the university's discretion, as long as the student meets admission requirements for the college. They can also allow undocumented immigrants to pay in-state tuition, as they are ineligible for state or federal financial aid.

According to the Board of Regents' lawyers, the bill prevents the university system from granting the waivers to undocumented immigrants. But other lawyers say the issue is murky.

Over 40 people spoke at the Dalton forum, the large majority of who were in favor of keeping the option for waivers alive.

Some Dalton State students who spoke admitted to being undocumented. Others, including a group of students from Kennesaw State, spoke behalf of their undocumented friends.
Three more forums are scheduled in Clarkston, Tifton and Gainesville.