Ledger Live: in-state college tuition for unauthorized immigrants a crazy idea that makes sense

Just like Texas, New Jersey moves toward offering in-state tuition for unauthorized immigrants Ledger Live with Brian Donohue for November 20, 2013 - As a bill that would make illegal immigrants raised in New Jersey eligible for financial aid and reduced in-state college tuition moves through the legislature, Donohue looks at how a broken down federal immigration system has forced states like New Jersey to deal with issues they simply shouldn't have to deal with.

Having covered immigration issues for almost seven years for The Star-Ledger, I am convinced there is no governmental system with more absurdities than the U.S. immigration system.

For decades the system of lax enforcement against illegal immigration, coupled with nonsensical visa categories and impossible-to-navigate bureaucracy for those seeking to come here legally has made it easier for many to come here illegally than legally.

The latest manifestation of this upside down system is playing out in Trenton, where the state senate last week approved a bill that would allow unauthorized immigrants brought here as children and raised in New Jersey to qualify for college financial aid and reduced in-state tuition rates. The bill is likely headed for the desk of Gov. Chris Christie, who, during the recent campaign, expressed support for "tuition equality."

Like 16 states that already offering-state tuition (including Texas, where the bill was signed by Republican Gov. Rick Perry), New Jersey is realizing that in the absurd world of immigration policy, it's a move that makes perfect sense.

After watching today's Ledger Live video, let us know what solutions would you propose to solve the problem.

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