Meaning: The quote provided by Elton Gallegly, a politician, addresses the issue of in-state college and university tuition for illegal immigrants in California. The quote suggests that providing this benefit to illegal immigrants is unfair to legal high school students who may temporarily leave California and then return to attend college.

The issue of in-state tuition for undocumented or illegal immigrants has been a topic of significant debate and controversy in the United States. In 2001, the state of California passed Assembly Bill 540 (AB 540), which allows certain non-resident students, including undocumented immigrants, to pay in-state tuition at public colleges and universities if they meet specific requirements. This legislation was a response to the growing number of undocumented students who had attended and graduated from California high schools and sought affordable access to higher education.

Supporters of AB 540 argue that denying undocumented students access to in-state tuition rates would further marginalize a group of young people who have grown up in the state and attended its schools. They argue that these students, often referred to as Dreamers, contribute to their communities and the economy and should have the same opportunities for higher education as their peers.

However, opponents of in-state tuition for undocumented students, such as Elton Gallegly, argue that it is unfair to legal residents and out-of-state students who do not receive the same benefits. They argue that providing this benefit to undocumented students creates an unequal playing field and may serve as an incentive for illegal immigration.

The issue of in-state tuition for undocumented students intersects with broader debates about immigration policy, education access, and the rights of undocumented individuals in the United States. It also raises questions about the role of states in determining their own policies regarding undocumented residents and their access to public services.

In recent years, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program has provided temporary relief to certain undocumented individuals who arrived in the United States as children. DACA recipients, often referred to as Dreamers, have been able to obtain work permits and protection from deportation, but their access to higher education benefits, including in-state tuition rates, has varied from state to state.

The issue of in-state tuition for undocumented students is complex and remains a significant point of contention in the ongoing national debate on immigration policy. It raises questions about fairness, access to education, and the rights of undocumented individuals who have grown up in the United States.

In conclusion, the quote by Elton Gallegly reflects the ongoing debate surrounding in-state tuition for undocumented immigrants in California and the broader implications of this policy for legal residents and out-of-state students. The issue remains a point of contention in the larger national conversation on immigration policy and the rights of undocumented individuals in the United States.