Educate all kids

Sacramento Bee 3/16/07

Every year, about 25,000 students who have been raised and schooled in California but who came to the state as children of illegal immigrants graduate from California high schools.

California can't do anything to change the immigration status of these students. That's a national issue, and Congress has been dilatory in passing a bill to resolve their status. They weren't born here, so they aren't U.S. citizens; but since they have been raised here and have little or no connection with the home country of their parents, the United States is the only country they know.

Until Congress acts, they essentially remain "citizens of nowhere." But while Congress continues to delay, California must act in its own interest and make sure these students become contributing members of society, not a burden.

In all 50 states, these kids can attend public elementary and secondary schools. And like nine other states, California has a law that allows them to pay in-state tuition to attend a public college or university, if they meet three requirements.

First, they must attend high school in California for three or more years. Second, they must graduate from a California high school or pass the GED. Third, they must sign a document saying they'll seek lawful immigration status as soon as they are eligible.

Texas goes one step further and allows these students to receive state financial aid. California should, too.

Last August, the California Senate and Assembly passed legislation (Senate Bill 160) to allow these students to be eligible for financial aid. But the governor returned the bill without his signature, so it died.

Sen. Gil Cedillo reintroduced SB 160 in January and it had its first hearing Wednesday. The Legislature should pass it again.

As Cedillo said at the hearing, we've already made an investment in the K-12 education of these students, and we shouldn't undermine it by prohibiting talented, hardworking kids from competing for a public college or university education. We're all better off if they graduate from high school (rather than drop out) and, if they meet admission requirements, attend a college or university.

Both the Los Angeles and San Francisco chambers of commerce support SB 160. As David Rattray of the Los Angeles Area Chamber said in an interview, businesses need an educated workforce and communities need an educated citizenry for quality of life.

California has an enormous number of kids brought here by their parents as youngsters, and they don't have a pathway to success.

"California and Texas have the most at stake," Rattray said. "We have to stop being so passive. We must lead in Congress and lead at our own state level. These kids are the face of tomorrow. It's us."

It's a travesty that Congress hasn't yet passed long-standing legislation to put these kids on a path to citizenship. Until that day comes, we're better off as a state if those living and working here are educated. It's as simple as that. The Legislature should pass SB 160, again. And, this time, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger should sign it.