GMU Democrats Oppose Anti-Immigrant HB1465

by: frankoanderson

Wed Feb 16, 2011 at 08:32:14 AM EST

At our meeting last night, the College Democrats at George Mason University discussed a recent bill, HB1465, which would force colleges to check students' immigration status and to deny enrollment to undocumented students. The bill passed the House with the support of 15 Democrats and is on to the Senate today. The text of the resolution is below:

George Mason Democrats Strongly Reject Anti-Immigrant HB1465

Resolution Passed February 15, 2011

Whereas, the George Mason Democrats support a public college system that is open to all Virginia residents;

Whereas, President Barack Obama and the George Mason Democrats support the DREAM Act which would create a path to citizenship for immigrants who earn college degrees;

Whereas, HB 1465 goes in the opposite direction of the DREAM Act by forcing colleges and universities to actively bar undocumented immigrants from enrolling;

Whereas, all immigrants (legal or not) pay out-of-state tuition costs to attend Virginia's colleges and are thus not competing with other Virginians;

Whereas, this legislation and other bills work to create a hostile atmosphere for all immigrants in Virginia;

Whereas, the Platform of the Democratic Party of Virginia opposes the bill's intent by stating
"We support the efforts of immigrant families to send their children to Virginia's institutions of higher learning, so that the students will become productive citizens and part of the workforce of tomorrow. We support measures that afford to students fair and equal access to Virginia colleges and universities."  

Now, therefore, be it resolved that the George Mason Democrats are disappointed that the House passed HB 1465, and urge the Senate to vote against the bill.