Raleigh, N.C.- The Civitas Institute is petitioning the State Board of Community Colleges to maintain the state’s current ban on illegal alien admissions when the board meets this Friday. Notes the attached letter written by Civitas Director of Policy Dr. Jameson Taylor: “Providing a publicly funded college education to illegal aliens will result in lower wages and fewer jobs for American college graduates. In the long-term, enrolling illegal aliens will debase the value of a community college degree, thus undermining the primary mission of the community college system itself.”
In response to a request from N.C. Community College System (NCCCS) President Scott Ralls, the board plans to review the current ban on illegal alien admissions when it meets on August 15. Ralls’ request comes in the wake of an advisory letter from the attorney general’s office indicating that the Department of Homeland Security permits each state to decide whether or not to enroll illegal aliens.
“The board needs to be very cautious here,” counseled Dr. Taylor. “Given that some community colleges, not to mention the UNC system, have waiting lists for certain courses and programs it is very likely that illegal aliens are taking spots from American citizens. If the current policy of barring illegal immigrant admissions is reversed, it will only be a matter of time before the NCCCS faces a legal challenge.”
Concluded Taylor: “The current ban on illegal alien admissions is supported by a clear majority of voters. This policy is also consistent with the plain meaning of federal immigration law and will benefit North Carolina’s working families.”
The State Board of Community Colleges is composed of 21 members, including Lieutenant Governor Beverley Perdue (D) and State Treasurer Richard Moore (D). The board is scheduled to meet on August 15 at 9 a.m. in the Caswell Building. The meeting, as well as committee hearings the day before, is open to the public.
Click here to view Dr. Taylor’s letter to the State Board of Community Colleges
If you would like more information regarding this topic, or to schedule an interview with Dr. Jameson Taylor, please call Gabe Dellinger at 919.747.8065 or email at Gabe.Dellinger@nccivitas.org.