Give the kids a chance

In the Spring of 2010, when the United States Congress is debating immigration reform, State Rep. Joe Miklosi, State Sen. Chris Romer, and State Sen. Paula Sandoval plan on passing the Workforce Development and Unsubsidized Tuition Act to allow the children of undocumented parents to attend one of Colorado’s 30 higher education institutions at in-state rates.

To pass this important legislation and to create hope and educational opportunities for more Colorado children of undocumented parents, supporters of this legislation need to create a broad coalition of business, political, and civic leaders.

Economic, and Education Benefits

· * Creating educational opportunities produces college graduates ready to take on the world. More college graduates attract more businesses and jobs, which benefit all Coloradoans. The children of undocumented parents who have attended Colorado schools their whole lives, earned good grades and stayed out of trouble are a vital component of this job market. They are ready to earn a college degree and to use their gifts to contribute to Colorado’s economy. We just need to give them the opportunity. They will earn it without public scholarship money and without negatively impacting documented students right to earn a college degree.

· * This Act will create educational opportunities for hundreds of undocumented students who cannot afford a college degree or envision a practical, legal and responsible path to earning a job.

· * Attract businesses to Colorado because of the increased, educated workforce. Every economic development expert lists an educated workforce as the primary reason businesses start up or relocate.

· * Create $3.3 million dollars of economic stimulus the first year and increased tax revenues for the state of Colorado and federal programs, such as Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security. Revenue will increase each subsequent year.

· * Create hope for undocumented students. Unfortunately, each year, there are too many students like Jessica, an undocumented, 17-year old who dropped out of high school, despite being ranked 8th in her high school class because she couldn’t envision a pathway to a college degree, a job and citizenship.

· * Assist higher education institutions. Currently, there are no enrollment caps at 28 of the 30 higher education institutions in Colorado and the two institutions that do have enrollment caps (CU and CSU) are working to adjust these caps so no documented students can claim a spot is being taken by an undocumented student.

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