text: I'm not an American or an illegal alien so I have no attachment to this debate but it seems to me that the reason there is a difference between in and out state tuition is a result of one paying state taxes, correct?  That is, by paying state taxes, you subsidize your education giving a lower in-state tuition.\n\nThus, if you work in a state at a legal job (whether you had to result to identity theft/using fake SSN to get hired) or just by paying sales tax on your purchases you've EARNED the right to that subsidized in-state tuition.\n\nNow people may get angry and debate this for whatever emotional reason but since they've already paid, why can't they benefit as long as they've resided in the state long enough to qualify for in-state tuition?  It's not like you're giving them free money.  It's THEIR money as well.  Granted, they have no right to be in the country in the first place but by paying taxes and otherwise acting as responsible citizens they've paid for that subsidy.\n\n/end rant.  Don't know why I got worked up there but now I want to explore this issue further and write your paper!  j/k\n\nThat being said, this issue confuses me.  If you KNOW they're illegal, why aren't you shipping them home rather than wondering whether or not they should get in-state tuition and other benefits?  Canada may be easier to get in to but if they know you're illegal, au revoir!