DOHERTY CALLS FOR ACTION ON BILL THAT WOULD PROHIBIT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT BENEFITS AS NJCCC ADDRESSES IN-STATE TUITION RATES

In advance of a meeting tonight in which the New Jersey Council of Community Colleges will address the issue of granting in-state tuition rates for illegal immigrants, Assemblyman Michael Doherty today reiterated his call for action on legislation he has sponsored that would require individuals to prove their legal status as U.S. citizens in order to obtain state or local government benefits.

“This state is facing a $7 billion budget deficit and there are those in Trenton, including Governor (Jon) Corzine, who want to subsidize, among other things, education for illegal immigrants,” stated Doherty. “That sends a chilling message to every hard-working, responsible, law-abiding citizen. In essence, they are being told ‘thanks for playing by the book and paying more than your fair share of taxes, but we’re giving your hard-earned money to individuals who are here illegally because they deserve a break.’

“It’s just plain wrong,” continued Doherty. “For the past seven years, Democrats have balanced the budget on the backs of our residents and now Governor Corzine wants to give those who are in this state and country illegally, tuition breaks among other benefits. That’s deplorable.”

Doherty, R-Warren and Hunterdon, said that in light of tonight’s New Jersey Council of Community College’s meeting, he is urging the Legislature to take action on his bill, A-658, in an effort to prevent illegal immigrants from obtaining government benefits. He noted that he first introduced the legislation in May 2003, but Democrat leaders have failed to take action.

New Jersey's illegal alien population has been estimated to be as high as 300,000 by the Migration Policy Institute. According to the institute, this represents a 186 percent increase since 1992. New Jersey has the sixth highest illegal alien population in the country and spends about $300 to $400 million per year in public services. It has been estimated that about one-half of this population, also known as undocumented or unauthorized immigrants, enter legally, then overstay or otherwise violate the terms of their visas.

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