Advocating for our students: an update

An update on the meeting held with Sen. Nikki Setzler and Rep. Kenny Bingham:

Four of our Hispanic students met with these legislators recently. Included also in the meeting were Mr. Newman, Bonnie Byrd (DEC), Karen Stevens and Ia Williams from guidance, plus myself.
After introductions, Sen. Setzler and Rep. Bingham explained that the community was demanding change in S.C.'s handling of illegal immigrants. Most of the changes represented in the current bills are economic concerns, specifically using the e-Verify system to identify workers (Government contractors appear to the most affected.). Unfortunately, the refusal to admit children of illegal immigrants into our public state colleges became part of the bill, unchallenged and unquestioned.
Essentially, all that (still) remains for this bill to become law is for a small committee of senators and representatives to agree on some differences in language, especially the definition of "harboring."

Our students were somewhat overwhelmed, I think, but several of them offered some timely comments. I mentioned that the university fees (paid by international students) and requirements made college admission for undocumented students untenable at best, but the door would now be locked as well.

Mr. Newman was kind enough to provide lunch for everyone, so the students didn't think it was a complete loss! Mr. Bingham and Mr. Setzler spent over an hour with us and we deeply appreciated their willingness to come.

Not knowing where to turn, I called an immigration attorney the next day, who basically advised the students to stay put - their status is likely to change with a new administration, and the federal guidelines will supersede state guidelines.

The State newspaper never did print my letter - I think it was too long. I'll try again. Thank you for your interest!

Nancy