Gov. Martin O’Malley signs immigrant tuition bill into law in Maryland

[alp227]

Source: The Washington Post

Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley, bucking a trend in other states, signed off on legislation Tuesday that extends in-state tuition breaks to illegal immigrants at the state’s colleges and universities.

O’Malley’s signature sets up a showdown with opponents who have already started gathering signatures for a petition to try to repeal the law, which is slated to take effect this summer.

Supporters of the new law, including dozens of religious leaders, immigrant advocates, Democratic lawmakers and students, jammed the governor’s reception room at the State House in Annapolis to pose for photos and celebrate during the signing ceremony.

“We’ve got guts,” said Del. Ana Sol Gutierrez (D-Montgomery), a longtime advocate for the bill. “We were willing to go against the tide and stand up for something that is the right thing to do.”

Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/politics/gov_martin_omalley_signs_immigrant_tuition_bill_into_law_in_maryland/2011/05/10/AFNNz8jG_singlePage.html

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This is among 200 bills that the governor signed today. A similar provision (I believe) is already in effect in California having been upheld by the state supreme court.

[proud2BlibKansan]

1. This is policy in Kansas as well

I don't think they threw it out this year but they may have. They wanted to.