Re “Immigrant tuition plan could be a model” (Metro, Nov. 21): I applaud and support the Patrick administration’s decision to extend in-state tuition rates to illegal immigrants who qualify for a work permit.
Since returning to Massachusetts in 2011 to serve as Emerson College’s president, I have been deeply troubled by the apparent lack of support for the Commonwealth’s growing population of young people who are here through no action of their own and are striving to be productive members of our society. Thanks to the recent change in federal law, if these folks have a work permit, then they are now legal residents of Massachusetts, and should be eligible for all the rights and privileges therewith.
Comments
Unfortunately, we can't afford the programs we have...which will we have to cut to pay for this?
On the question of in state tuition for the children of people who work but do not reside in Massachusetts, actually pay state income tax, and are American citizens, the president of Emerson is curiously silent.