Religious Leaders Support In-State Tuition for Illegal Immigrants

Religious leaders gathered on the steps of the Cathedral of the Incarnation in North Baltimore to affirm their support of Maryland’s DREAM Act.

The DREAM Act allows for the children of illegal immigrants to receive in-state tuition rates at state schools if certain conditions have been met.  Those conditions include the student having attended high school within the state for three years, or completed community college prior to transfer; that parents have paid state income taxes during a student's years in high school, and that male students have registered register for the draft.

The legislation was passed by the General Assembly during this spring’s session and was signed into law by Gov. Martin O’Malley.

Opponents of the legislation have launched a petition drive to have the bill go before state voters in a referendum in November 2012.

Baltimore County Del. Pat McDonough, a supporter of repealing the law, attended the press conference. McDonough, R-District 7, said supporters of repealing the law are expected to announce they have enough signatures to put the law on the ballot Thursday night.