Calfornia citizen wrote on Oct 12, 2007 9:49 PM:I have paid a great deal of taxes over the years. Neither of my two children can get state help with tuiton. Why should illegal immigrants get any? This must be a joke of some kind.

Reardon wrote on Oct 12, 2007 9:50 PM:The sins of the fathers should not be visited on the children -- but, on the other hand the children should not be rewarded for the sins of the fathers! Veto the bill!

Roberto1 wrote on Oct 12, 2007 9:51 PM:Lets say my mother is illegal and my father is legal....do I qualify for a 50% tuition?

Joe wrote on Oct 12, 2007 10:06 PM:This is ridiculous. We do not need to be providing these grants and funds to people here illegally. They need to return to their country and apply to the schools as a foreign student and get a student visa like students from other countries. We are making it too easy and nice for illegal immigrants. We need to stand firm and make it harder for them here until they enter the Country legally like our ancestors did. No more money needs to go to illegals, more money to people here legally who need the help!!

Shaky Jake wrote on Oct 12, 2007 10:16 PM:That's one lousy piece of journalism from a lousy newspaper. Did you folks miss the part about directing the more unfortunate kids into military service? A backdoor draft by any other name... I would guess Blackwater would have less incentive to spare their lives in the event of a confrontation between troops and mercenaries, as reported on line today. After an accident between a humvee and a Blackwater suburban, the mercs disarmed the troops and forced them to lie face down in the street until things were "cleared up". This is Cheney's private army. Coming soon to a neighborhood near you.

Bill wrote on Oct 12, 2007 10:23 PM:NO,NO,NO!!! There are far to many legal citizens that should get these grants. We pay taxes to the US Government so US citizens can benefit. Let their own government take care of their needs. /

Yes & No wrote on Oct 12, 2007 10:33 PM:Any immigrant that honorable serves in our military, especally during a time of war, should be allowed citizenship. I don't think completing two years of community college should give an immigrant that benefit with going through the naturalization testing and taking an oath. Also, No No No to giving non American citizens grants & other benfits. American tax dollars should not reward non citizens that are not here legally. What's next, giving them American tax dollar paid for grants to go to school in another country??? /

LaLa wrote on Oct 12, 2007 10:45 PM:I have an idea... how about you give the illegals a citizenship if they will go fight and find a way to make peace in Iraq... oh but wait, ITS AMERICA AND BUSHS fault for the death toll in Iraq.... Why in the world... I am a college student, my parents moved here LEGALLY and I am an AMERICAN, why would u give someone who is illegal the right to tuition, are you crazy... who came up with this bill, Bush is stupid the country is stupid... why don't we just allow Mexico to take over the U.S. WE WENT TO WAR, WE TOOK LAND FROM THE RIGHTFUL OWNERSHIP OF THE INDIANS AND NOW SOME STUPID BILL TO PROVIDE TUITION TO ILLEGALS... WHAT HAS THIS COUNTRY COME TO. IF U WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE, CLAIM IRAQ AS TERRITORY AND PROVIDE THEM WITH AID AND SCHOOLING INSTEAD OF KILLING THEM NOT ONLY THAT PROVIDE BETTER FREE HEALTH CARE FOR CHILDREN THEY DESERVE IT NOT THE FREAKING RICH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What? wrote on Oct 12, 2007 11:13 PM:No. The last thing we need is another incentive for people to enter this country illegally./

born and raised here wrote on Oct 12, 2007 11:37 PM:What part of "Illegal" do people not understand? It means they are here UNLAWFULLY!!! ... Now free tuition?!?! NO WAY!!!! /

Longtime Resident wrote on Oct 12, 2007 11:46 PM:California has gone mad. Mad, mad, mad.

B wrote on Oct 12, 2007 11:53 PM:THIS IS ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS. WHAT'S NEXT, FREE LUNCH FOR ALL ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT ELEMENTARY STUDENTS? GET REAL.

Matt wrote on Oct 12, 2007 11:59 PM:Another insanity, NO WAY should he 9the govenator) pass this bill. I have worked as a lawful citizen for over 25 years. If I apply for a grant tomorrow, I won't get it. But these unlawful and very illegal so called immigrants would, NO FRIGGIN WAY ! ! !

Gravy Train wrote on Oct 13, 2007 2:06 AM:By all means - give them everything they want and pass a bill to bring in the illegal grandparents to give them a free ride in the senior facilities. It's all in the family and we certainly want to reward family values. I'm sure that struggling US citizen families will be glad to step aside to show our generosity and love. Why doesn't the light ever shine back on Mexico? Why don't we see more stories about why we are expected to solve their problems? I am SO sick of this ...

cts wrote on Oct 13, 2007 2:58 AM:If this thing passes, I'm going to vote for AGAINST Arnold...No matter who it is!

Period wrote on Oct 13, 2007 5:52 AM:Our once great county is no more. As a nation we are slipping into irrelevance, similar to countries like Spain and France. The dollar is practically worthless. Our military can’t defeat a third-rate army. Our schools are in shambles, teaching to the bottom of the class and probably not even in English. Entitlements have gotten out of control, from free prenatal care, to free school lunches, even during the summer. The rich is getter richer, poor is getting more for being poor and the middle class is getting royally screwed. If you haven’t yet today, please thank a liberal.

Yes!!!!!! I hope the Immigrant Governor signs this bill wrote on Oct 13, 2007 6:00 AM:I am all for this bill. Just think of the INCREASED tax revenue California will receive when these young people graduate and become self-sufficient!! Geez people the only reason I am going to see any social security benefits after working for over 30 years as a lawful citizen is because of the social security contributions made by illegal immigrant workers. I think you should get all the correct information before you jump to conclusios. I research things myself rather than depend on anyone else to get me the information THEY think I need. Become infomed then make your comments because most of these comments are so ignorant that they are not worth reading.

what about wrote on Oct 13, 2007 6:06 AM:Why not extend such benefits to all children of the world? If the government won't do it then anyone with a heart will give up their worldly belongs and give all their money to charities that will. (or is it ok to make others give up their better future when you won't do that yourself because you don't think you are the one that is rich?)

bunch of BS wrote on Oct 13, 2007 6:14 AM:NO WAY......... take care of our kids first who were born in the US.. why do you think I pay taxes?? so my kids can go to college and get the help they need.. the illegal can get help from their county... we need to STOP helping other counties and take care of our own...... VETO THE BILL....... JUST SAY NO!!!!!!!

You got to be kidding me wrote on Oct 13, 2007 6:15 AM:Who comes up with these insane bills? How do these [people] get voted into office? Lets give them another reason to come here illegally and put more of a strain on the federal and state budget.

Big Richard wrote on Oct 13, 2007 6:19 AM:Roberto1 The answer is no. Your daddy should have known better.

Ron wrote on Oct 13, 2007 6:21 AM:Governor, I urge to veto Senate Bill 1 known as the "Dream Act." I pay taxes to support the legal citizens of this state and find it repulsive that we would even consider any use of taxpayer funds to further support of any kind of aid to illegal aliens no matter what the circumstances were surrounding their illegal entry into our country. If they want an education they can return to their country of origin and pursue an education there at the expense of their own governments. Once again, I call upon you to veto Senate Bill 1.

carol wrote on Oct 13, 2007 6:35 AM:I simply cannot believe this!! My son attends Cal State San Marcos. He has worked his hiney off getting good grades, being an outstanding student with good citizenship, and was named to an honor society. Yet we could not recieve one penny to help with his schooling. And really, that's OK, we're not the types looking for handouts. I am just amazed that this bill even is being considered. It is a huge slap in the face to tax paying, honest, hard working LEGAL citizens of California!!

RWC wrote on Oct 13, 2007 6:39 AM:This is NUTS!!!!!!!!

Period wrote on Oct 13, 2007 7:10 AM:Censorship is alive and well!!!!!

Hispanic Female wrote on Oct 13, 2007 7:16 AM:What has this country come to? It absolutely infuriates me in knowing that my grandchildren have to pay an exorbitant amount of money to attend Palomar College, and now these guys in Sacramento want to reward illegals with grants. I am a Democrat, and I never thought I would say this, but I will be voting Republican next election time. We need to get rid of as many Democratic politicians in this state as possible. This business about illegals enlisting in the military in order to obtain citizenship will never happen. These people owe their allegiance to Mexico, and will never enlist, no matter what the rewards for doing so will be.

This is a step in the right direction.... wrote on Oct 13, 2007 7:21 AM:to help make the illegals not so dependent on social services. I think the stipulations are rather high on this bill. No worries I don't think any illegal's will qualify and if they do then they deserve it.

Angela wrote on Oct 13, 2007 7:31 AM:My husband is a CA native, I have lived in CA for over 40 years. Neither of my children received one cent of help for college tuition. My younger son had a roommate who not only received everything free - he also got an allowance from the state! Where does it stop? The backs of the taxpayers are being broken.

More of the Same. wrote on Oct 13, 2007 7:31 AM:Did anyone read the line that said it passed along partisan lines. That means folks that the Democrats voted for it and the Republicans against it. Please keep this in mind for future elections. If we elect more Democrats, especially a Governor, things like this will sail though and much more will follow driving us out of the state due to high taxes among other things. The Hispanics in office in CA are gaining in numbers and they will spend our money freely for their people, legal or not.

Bait wrote on Oct 13, 2007 7:32 AM:Quick, let's all write the same 300 comments we wrote yesterday and the day before on this story. That will fix everything. I'm sure Arnold reads every one

Skip wrote on Oct 13, 2007 7:43 AM:I cannot believe that Sen. Gil Cedillo, (D-Los Angeles (MEXICO)) actually put a provision in his bill making an exception for U.S. Citizens. That was so nice of him!

Phil R wrote on Oct 13, 2007 7:49 AM:Of course it's a joke. All you people who are upset have been fooled. I mean it must be a joke, right.

Syl wrote on Oct 13, 2007 7:50 AM:There are no doubt that there are a lot of gifted and talented illegal alien students, but where do you draw the line as there are an equal mount of talented of U.S. Citizen students. For every Illegal alien that gets benifits a U.S. Citizen will be deprived. There is no botomless pit of money to give out for eveyone, and the illegals are getting free K-12 as it is.

NORTH AMERICAN UNION wrote on Oct 13, 2007 7:52 AM:HERE IT COMES Just read Fox's new book. And Bush is helping. Got Amero's?

miguelina wrote on Oct 13, 2007 8:03 AM:CA has a surplus? What about all the hospitals ready to close because of the huge numbers of illegals using them without paying? Cmon Arnie, do the right thing. Don't sign it!

It's an important step in the right direction wrote on Oct 13, 2007 8:06 AM:Let's just erase our borders and give up our sovereignty.

David wrote on Oct 13, 2007 8:06 AM:To all people in this country illegally: Go back to your own country and fix your own country. Stop waving your country's flag in our country. Just go away. To all politicians: Triple wall border fence now. Heavy fines on companies who hire illegals now. Get the criminals out of this country now. Stop giving more rights to illegals than people who are here legally now. Get a move on - now.

Alf wrote on Oct 13, 2007 8:21 AM:Insanity compounded upon insanity compounded upon insanity compounded upon insanity! Regards, Alf.

Robert24 wrote on Oct 13, 2007 8:31 AM:Time for all legal US citizens to just stop paying taxes. Then the [people] "running" this country would have no money (our money!!) to hand over to ridiculous entitlements like this. How in the hell did legal citizens come to lose their rights and be forced to pay for the lives of illegals? The stupidity of all of this just dumbfounds me.

Bill wrote on Oct 13, 2007 8:31 AM:NUTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hank wrote on Oct 13, 2007 8:44 AM:The bottom line is this. It is discriminatory against legal residents to be treating illegal aliens better than we are. That should be a given, and completely beside the most glaring issue. People who are here illegally need to be deported, not given a dividend.

Watchdog wrote on Oct 13, 2007 8:48 AM:Unbelievable. . . . Thanks Nancy, Thanks Dianne, Thanks Barbara!

Mike wrote on Oct 13, 2007 8:49 AM:Huh?

Dave wrote on Oct 13, 2007 8:53 AM:It wouldn't surprise me if Arnold signs this bill. Heck, he just signed a bill for the illegals the other day on renting to them, so why whouldn't he sign this one too? Slowly folks, the politicians are chipping away at the soverignty of this great nation. The only way we can stop this is to vote every one of them out, that don't have our country and our kids best interests at heart.

mari wrote on Oct 13, 2007 8:57 AM:no no even do they get money taken out of their pay check and never get that money back bacause they are illegal, we should still not have to help them for college. we have so many citizen that need that help.

Longtime Resident wrote on Oct 13, 2007 8:57 AM:This is not a "Dream Act." It is a "Nightmare Act." I'm a legal citizen, an American, and never received one red cent to help pay my college tuition. Are AMERICANS a lower class of people, not worthy of AMERICAN tax dollars? This is madness! Utter madness!

RjM wrote on Oct 13, 2007 9:05 AM:Wonderful! Now we get the foreign agents crying when Arnold vetos this stain, and the local reactionaries moaning about the loonyiness of this nonsense. I would investigate Sen. Gil Cedillo, D-Los Angeles on his citizenship status, the citizenship status of the voters in his district, and voter fraud that goes with it. ...

Stop This wrote on Oct 13, 2007 9:06 AM:We need to take care of home first. No wonder why illegal don't want to leave. Another free handout.

to Carol wrote on Oct 13, 2007 9:07 AM:Exactly!

Connie wrote on Oct 13, 2007 9:13 AM:This is just wrong. Why would any U.S. citizen stand for our politicians constantly giving priority to illegals over our own citizens? This is exactly what is happening. We are electing the wrong people to represent us. You have to stop voting for the people that are doing this even if you have to cross party lines. Only then can we stop this ridiculous mess we are in.

Ken wrote on Oct 13, 2007 9:20 AM:This bill should by all means be vetoed. This is an insane thing to give free help to illegal aliens in this country. Not even our own children get all of the benefits that are afforded to ILLEGAL ALIENS. If you are illegal, then return to your own country and then and only then, return the LEGAL way. We can't reward ILLEGAL ALIENS for breaking the law. RISE_UP American citizens, and let us take back our country!

el tigre wrote on Oct 13, 2007 9:22 AM:I am real happy. I hope the bill does pass! It's about time.

A great idea wrote on Oct 13, 2007 9:38 AM:finally the money goes to people who deserve it

Wayne wrote on Oct 13, 2007 9:43 AM:Why is it that EVERY TIME politicians and politatical action groups make a case for the illegals, they always state that the illegals are "paying taxes"??? The only leagal taxes they may be paying is a sales tax when they buy products, etc. As I understand it, you CAN NOT pay income tax, SSI, etc, without a LEGAL Social Security # or TIN #.

GURU53 wrote on Oct 13, 2007 9:45 AM:GO GOV, EDUCATE, EDUCATE AND EDUCATE!!! MAYBE SOME OF THE CRIME WILL GO DOWN.

You have got to be KIDDING... wrote on Oct 13, 2007 9:52 AM:In a time where I am having trouble paying for my son to go to college in California, they want to give away free education to illegals. ... the cost of college in California has skyrocketed from being one of the least expensive in the USA to one of the most costly.... many kids who want to go are not able to afford it... yet we want to endow illegals with the benefits that our own citizens do not have... they told my son that I made too much money for him to get free money for college, yet we can barely pay our mortgage month to month while helping him all we can to go to school... this is total insanity... I cannot believe that I read this article, yet it should not surprise me since we are trying to give everyone else in the world a fair shake except our own hard working citizens... Arnold I am ashamed to say I voted for you last time but never again... this kind of craziness is exactly what is wrong with this country... our dollar is falling like a rock and who does that make money for... the big US corporations... but our standard of living is going to h*** in a handbasket... A Rueters news report yesterday talked about how the top one percent of rich Americans have gotten richer and the middle class has gotten much poorer... this country is now all about special interests and yet we are doing nothing for the average working guy... if my son was black or Mexican, he could get a free ride to almost any school he wanted, but we are forced for him to attend a Junior College because that is all we can afford at this time... This is a sham and I am tired of half of my paycheck going to pay taxes so we can fund these stupid programs like free school or healthcare for illegals... I pay $1300 a month for healthcare for my family and any illegal can get it all for free.... You do not want to know what I pay for college courses and books each semester and now I hear that I am going to have to start paying for illegals to get free schooling, too... I am incensed and cannot wait for these upcoming elections... we need a revolution at the ballot box right now to take back our country from the corrupt politicians and those who are bleeding this country dry... we are turning into a socialist haven where even non-citizens can milk the system.... where will it end???

Paul wrote on Oct 13, 2007 9:57 AM:This is insane! Where are we going to draw the line. I's not at the Mexican/US border - that's for sure.

A Liberal Democrat, wrote on Oct 13, 2007 10:00 AM:No! Absolutely not, no free anything for illegal aliens. Send the illegal alien lawbreakers back to their own homeland. And impeach Bush for allowing this illegal alien invasion to happen. Impeach Bush for his illegal war in Iraq.

Todd S. wrote on Oct 13, 2007 10:00 AM:Many college students work jobs long hours in the summer and still take jobs while they attend college to afford rising tuition and other school expenses. We pay taxes on this income. The geniuses in our legislature feel the illegal immigrants shouldn't go through this plite. They say we should hand them money to go to attend college with grants from legal US citizens. They feel that instead of spending money on our existing problems, we should reward people who entered our country illegally. I've seen people from other countries enter the US using legal means and study to become citizens of our country. It's doable people. I guess the secret is choosing from what country to immigrate and by the legality of the way you enter. Heaven forebid the people who sneak over the border be denied their chance to absorb the rights and priviledges due our citizens and legal immigrates. Let's make sure we reward them too. Let's invite all of them to hop the border so we can educate them and feed them with tax payer's money. God Bless America.

Patriot wrote on Oct 13, 2007 10:01 AM:While we're at it, let's give them free driver's licenses and car insurance.

to LaLa @1045 wrote on Oct 13, 2007 10:04 AM:you ask why Mexico doesnt just take over...they are, no question about it. ever wonder how all these individual people come over here and are so organized all of a sudden? Supposedly living in the shadows? Looks like an underground system of invasion from where I stand..LANDLORDS, if you have any respect for this country, All applications will require SSN's for all residents, then check them out. If they dont match, dont rent to liars, Have those applying show income tax statements, you dont want to rent to liars and tax dodgers do you, ? One thing BUSH said for all AMERICANS that is true- you are either for this country or against it. what is it??

Let's be heard wrote on Oct 13, 2007 10:09 AM:call the GOP now..760-732-7302

To Yes!!!!!!!! wrote on Oct 13, 2007 10:10 AM:What makes you think these people will become self-sufficient and start contributing to our economy? We have created a group of people who feel they are entitled to get what they haven't earned. Why should they change simply because they attended a community college? I fear they will continue to DEMAND a free ride. I've already seen it happen! In the meantime, we must scrimp and save and do without in order to pay for our child's college fees. BTW, my grandparents came from Mexico LEGALLY, so you can't accuse me of being racist.

Reardon wrote on Oct 13, 2007 10:15 AM:Bill De La Fuente says that it is a capitalist idea? A government grant to illegal aliens to attend college is a capitalist idea? I have no objection to Bill De La Fuente using his money, or the money of his group, but to use taxpayer money is a capitalist idea? Arghhhhh!

Everyone, wrote on Oct 13, 2007 10:22 AM:Who is against the illegal alien lawbreakers can do several things. Print out this page and mail it to Arnold, and any other leaders you know that supports this Bill. Then email, call or visit their office. I wrote and printed out letters stating why illegal aliens are bad for our Country. I went to DC for the war protest rally on Sept 15th, I went to the Congressional and Senate offices to pass out these letters. While there I explained to them that seventy percent of American Citizens oppose illegal aliens and the Iraq war. LW

My children could not get any money for college! wrote on Oct 13, 2007 10:23 AM:Their friends especially those that came from divorced families get all sorts of money. They know how to play the system. The father makes a lot of money heaping the money on the children. The children claim the mother has no money resulting in the children getting lots of college money. People know how to play the government and get money. The same will happen with this bill. The government will mnake up more money and hand it out. The illegals will prosper (sending their money back to Mexico) and the US children will not get into colleges.

This is ridiculous! wrote on Oct 13, 2007 10:26 AM:Why don't we just sign over our paychecks directly to illegals!?!

How does this get approved? wrote on Oct 13, 2007 10:28 AM:It's sad that our legislature allows this to even get to the governor's desk!

WhoWhat wrote on Oct 13, 2007 10:31 AM:It is just wrong. It is wrong to provide benefits to any group who is here illegally. It is wrong to make a mockery of the legal immigrants who have worked hard to become American citizens. It is wrong to provide incentive to people outside this country to come here illegally who might otherwise have taken the legal path. It is wrong to divert monies from California residents to support those that do not abide by the rule of law. It is wrong to succumb to the special interest groups and activists who do not believe in the LAW but only the political benefits of advancing their cause, and the short term benefits to their constituents. It is wrong not to look at the long term problems that this bill will inflict on the budgets and available monies to future generations. It is wrong on many levels to pass this bill and I strongly urge you Mr. Schwarzenegger not to succumb to the loud but irrational voices of the activists and use your moral compass, WRONG is WRONG.

Aunt Joan, wrote on Oct 13, 2007 10:33 AM: Do you remember Bush gushing over Russia's Putin? "I looked in his eyes and saw his soul" Bushy thought he was such a great guy. Have you heard what Putin now says about The Decider?

dave wrote on Oct 13, 2007 10:41 AM:Who cares?

m wrote on Oct 13, 2007 10:55 AM:hey B, ILLEGAL KIDS GET FREE LUNCH FROM SCHOOL ALREADY...AS WELL AS FREE IMMNUIZATIONS AND FREE PHYSICALS..AS FOR ME ..A MIDDLE CLASS AMERICAN , I HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR THESE SERVICES AS I AM NOT ELIGIBLE FOR MEDI-CAL

Ralphs wrote on Oct 13, 2007 10:59 AM:Is there something here that we citizens don't understand? Why do illegals have the right to any freedom in this country? If we go to visit another country, you are not covered by their benefits, if they have any. It is no wonder they come here by the millions, where else but in America would elected officials cater to the illegals. Has anyone else noticed that all of the ones catering to the illegals all seem to be attorneys? Why is that? It appears that someone has pulled the handle, and the water is swirling in the bowl. It is just a matter of time until we all go down the drain. The money to pay for illegal benefits comes from legal citizens, they seem to be able to get the aid of free schooling, medical, legal services all at the expense of us.

To dave wrote on Oct 13, 2007 11:06 AM:That's the problem not enough people care!

to YOU HAVE TO BE KIDDING wrote on Oct 13, 2007 11:07 AM:By you saying that if your son was "black or mecican" is just plain racist. Race has nothing to do with it. Right now it is all about your income. I am a hispanic child of two legal aliens that have been in this country for over 35 years, have paid taxes and have never been on welfare. I am a working 25year old mother of two and going to school part time and just because I make 30k a year with two children , I did not get any assistance. So according to you I should have received help because I am MEXICAN. YOU ARE SO WRONG. I DO GET UPSET TO KNOW THAT I HAVE TO PAY FOR HEALTHCARE AS WELL AS SCHOOL LUNCHES, AND MY OWN FOOD. LOOK AT ALL THE WHITE PEOPLE IN THE INLAND EMPIRE THAT ARE ON FOOD STAMPS AND WELFARE TO SUPPORT THEIR DRUG HABIT AND BLAME THEM FOR USING YOUR TAX MONEY. STOP REFERRING TO THE BLACKS AND MEXICANS.THAT IS JUST SIMPLY IGNORANT

Crazytalk wrote on Oct 13, 2007 11:09 AM:Let me get this straight, my taxes will go to pay for illegal immigrants to be educated and I will have to pay for my kids to go to college. This could not possibly be true.

Former Californian wrote on Oct 13, 2007 11:10 AM:You Californians have to be idiots to have elected a legislator who would craft such a bill. Call or write your Governor NOW with your complaint about this bill. Next, find out which politician sponsored that bill and start action to get them voted out of office!! If it was not your representative, contact your legislator and admonish him/her if they voted in support of the bill.

just wondering wrote on Oct 13, 2007 11:11 AM:To "B" in this mornings comments---The illegal students in grammer school already ARE getting free lunches and health care. So sad our hard working citizens can't qualify.

Tami wrote on Oct 13, 2007 11:20 AM:I am disgusted that this has even made it as far as it has! I was a teacher for 10 years and the influx of students that spoke MINIMAL English ruined the public school system. I had to "water down" my curriculum to meet the overwhelming needs of illegal students. And now we are going to pay for them to go to college?? I am still paying off student loan debts because my family was middle - class, hard working but we didn't "qualify" for financial aid. But students who are here ILLEGALLY - California will pay for them to go to school via grants? This is absurd and ridiculous.

guru53 wrote on Oct 13, 2007 11:24 AM:I STILL THINK WE SHOULD START CAMP IN MEXICO, BUILD ON THEIR LAND, REFINE THEIR WATER, CREATE COMPANIES FOR GOOD JOBS. WHY HASN'T ANYBODY THOUGHT OF THAT. THEIR OCEANS ARE NOT FISHED OUT YET EITHER.

Kay-J wrote on Oct 13, 2007 11:35 AM:As DUMB DUMB DUMB as this legislation is, just wait and see what happens if Mrs. Clinton or Mr. Obama get elected next year. Mulitply this kind of stupidity to a national level. Why is it that every piece of idiotic legislation ever proposed comes from someone with a "D" after their name?

Contact Arnold TODAY! wrote on Oct 13, 2007 11:39 AM:Time to once again flood our elected representatives with calls, e-mails and FAX's. The Governor's contact information is readily available by doing an online search. I just finished a copy/paste of all these comments and sent them on to our Governor, Senators and Representatives. Obviously our polititians did not hear our message the first time, and need to hear it loud and clear again. NO BENEFITS FOR ILLEGAL ALIENS - NONE, ZER0, ZILCH, NADA! WE MUST STOP THIS INSANITY!

WhoWhat wrote on Oct 13, 2007 11:44 AM:Rights are earned not stolen or hijacked, you cannot justify handouts to those that don't care about the future fallout of their me-now attitudes and do not recognize the rule of law. Odds are, you give them (anyone who is undeserving) a freebie and they will just expect more and more - riding on the backs of honest, hardworking and LEGAL-resident taxpayers. Call it what it is and WAKE UP AMERICA.

disgusted again wrote on Oct 13, 2007 11:44 AM:I cannot believe what a sap state California has become. Why would Arnold give illegal immigrants the RIGHT to apply for grants for college. I am throughly disgusted. Why are we taking away from our legal citizens and children. Come on ARNOLD make the right decision or don't bother running for re-election.

azwreath wrote on Oct 13, 2007 11:49 AM:That means other students would not be displaced by illegal immigrants, Cedillo (D-Los Angeles,MEXICO) said in a written statement. And just where does that line of "rational thought" come from, exactly? For every dime given to an illegal it means that the money is not there to be given to help an American student who needs it. How does that come close to translating to "no other students will be displaced"?

Sly wrote on Oct 13, 2007 11:50 AM:If I lived in California I would move. But then I said that decades ago and they just keep getting worse. Soon the only ones who live there will be the ones with second homes, so they don't get stuck with all those taxes, and those too poor to be able to move. Cede California to Mexico. I don't mind

Bill wrote on Oct 13, 2007 11:58 AM:If they pass this then I,m off to idaho and they won't get my money!!!!!!!

Go back wrote on Oct 13, 2007 12:00 PM:Let the bright young illegals go back to Mexico and become educated there. Mexico really needs some college grads who can fix their problems.

Carol wrote on Oct 13, 2007 12:03 PM:Here is what is happening to Cal. The Illegals are moving in and the good people are moving out of the state ---Mexico will win this. California 20 years from now will be Mexico again but will have the US feds paying for everything.

American-Irish Resident wrote on Oct 13, 2007 12:07 PM:Isn't this a racist bill? It shows great racial bias against the descendants of Africa, Asia, and Europe in favor of those from Hispanic nations. A judge declared proposition 187 illegal years ago due to perceived racism so why wouldn't a judge declare this bill illegal for the same reason?

Longtime Resident wrote on Oct 13, 2007 12:09 PM:We are losing focus on the real issue: illegal aliens. This bill proves how our politicians - our representatives - couldn't care less about what LEGAL residents think. California has gone mad. If the Gropenator doesn't veto this bill, I don't see how he cannot be impeached along with his cronies like George Bush with his Iraq obsession. People, wake up! WHERE IS THE RAGE? Get involved, be active at the local level and maybe we can shut this utter MADNESS down. DON'T GIVE UP!

Mimi wrote on Oct 13, 2007 12:11 PM:Welfare is totally abused by American Citizens, I hope no illegal ever collects welfare and I hope no illegal ever gets help with tuition. Fringe benefits should be for American citizens only. It's not racists or bigotry just plain good sense. I hate to see any child go hungry but Americans are not responsible for that hunger, lots of African people are hungry also and Russian and French and the list goes on but we don't want them to all come here for Gov. assistance and a free welfare check or school lunches.

And, wrote on Oct 13, 2007 12:12 PM:Now Putin is turning back to communism. Good job Bushy!

Apathetic wrote on Oct 13, 2007 12:15 PM:Who cares anymore. I just refuse to pay taxes. Maybe I'll end up in jail. Imagine that...Me in jail and I am a citizen. My money will never again pay for anything anywhere but right here, where I decide. The oxymoronic term 'polital leader' strikes again. Who give a sh............

Cafeteria worker wrote on Oct 13, 2007 12:53 PM:They do get FREE LUNCH every one of them

RWC wrote on Oct 13, 2007 1:12 PM:Hispanic legislators passing bills to help their people. This is racist! What ever happened to equality?

Big Richard wrote on Oct 13, 2007 1:51 PM:to YOU HAVE TO BE KIDDING ... You were doing good job with your argument until you yourself used A racial statement of your own.

like OMG y'all wrote on Oct 13, 2007 2:18 PM:I�m baffled at the ignorance leaking from these posts. In order to receive government grants and scholarships people need to meet the requirements. This means that parents of students applying must make less than a certain income. YES THESE GRANTS ARE FOR UNDER PRIVILEDGED FAMILIES who otherwise without this assistance could not send their kids to college. Stop whining and complaining that your kids who are American citizens are denied these grants, because you make too much income, and yet you think their wrong. Many kids who receive this assistance are living almost at the poverty level, now they DO NEED THIS HELP. Your American citizen children can apply for college loans and plenty of scholarships available to them, immigrants can not apply for any type of assistance. You all think you work you�re [butts] off to put your children through college. Well in the case of immigrants the kids are the ones who work their butts off to put themselves through school. Just think of the benefits that this bill would bring to the economy and society. We would have immigrant teenagers actually wanting to pursue a higher education as a result in the long run crime rates would go down, the amount of people seeking government assistance would go down. Oh and �illegal immigrants� do not expect and will not expect that everything be handed to them... you all make it seem as if illegal immigrants have IT good in this country, but until you live a day in their shoes please don�t ASSUME they that they do.

gemini wrote on Oct 13, 2007 2:18 PM:Even if California ceded to Mexico, they'd turn it in to an even worse crap hole than it already and that wouldn't solve the problem of illegal immigration. Once they were done with California they'll continue their illegal immigration in to our other states and rob it of all it's resources, illegal immigrants won't be satisfied until the USA is as bad or worse than Mexico. It's all about envy, Mexico is envious of our prosperity so they try to steal the crumbs and when they found no opposition they grew more daring, now you find them in Canada too. Mexico is full of hypocrisy, their southern border remains closed yet they want ours opened for them. They want to protect their soveriegnty but want us to give ours away. I don't care if it's not your fault your parent brought you against your will, giving financial aid in any form to an illegal is an incentive and a magnet for more parents to cross their kids. Shut off the incentives quit creating magnets and they will leave simple as that. When it gets to a reasonable number perhaps on a case to case basis we'll let some attend our universities and community colleges on a work aid where they have to go to work to pay for it, no hand outs. And, that's after the fence is built, employers are getting fined in the tens of thousands of dollars, our public schools aren't over flowing, and the 14th ammendment is repealed plus once a law passes that states you can work and go to school here but you are not a US citizen nor are any of your kids. And they have to go home every 2-3 years to reapply plus the taxes they pay should be double that of a US citizen and no free health care for them or their kids. No free anything! If they want a better life then they should work harder for it and pay more, plus any house they buy or property should be "rented" as in they will never own it as they are not a US citizen and should not be able to own US soil, sound familiar Mexico?

How Do I Become Illegal? wrote on Oct 13, 2007 2:20 PM:I want all these social benefits payed for by tax money. Some welfare and food stamps would be very helpful too. I think I'll use a fake ID since the judge in San Fran-sicko said it was o.k. God help the USA!

legalatina wrote on Oct 13, 2007 2:42 PM:Apparently it didn't occur to Sifuentes or to any of these so-called "bright students" that they have every right and opportunity to pursue a college education in a world-class institutions like the National Autonomous University in Mexico City for FREE! That's right folks, the illegal alien advocates won't let on that in Mexico, for example college tuition at public institutions is FREE for Mexican nationals. The Univ. of San Carlos in Guatemala cost $14.00 to register and there's no entrance exam. These illegal alien students and their ethno-supremacist advocates like LA RAZA, MALDEF, LULAC, CHIRLA really want amnesty, citizenship, and all benefits and privileges of such as a reward for coming here illeglly and evading the law long enough not to be deported and long enough to take advantage of free public school education, healthcare benefits and loads of other goodies that their failed, corrupt government refuses to provide to its underclass.

Arnold's give away programs wrote on Oct 13, 2007 2:51 PM:Just exactly what part of ILLEGAL doesn't the governor understand ? Looks like Arnie will just give away our entire state while he does NOT fix the problems with the health care system and does NOT fix the problems with the water supply. I guess he thinks it would be just great to drive all of the agriculture out of California as well as all of the industry. And then where will his pet programs get their money ? There are problems with giving something away - it is NOT appreciated. Not appreciated at all. Arnold, I voted for you, and I thought you would stand up for all of us. Instead, you are just giving chunks of our lives and our futures away, and you do NOTHING to improve the problems, just go for another Photo-Op !

ME wrote on Oct 13, 2007 2:51 PM:I think next time I'm short on money I'm just going to claim to be here illegally. Am I dumb for paying $20.00 per unit for college when all I have to do is break the law??? MMMM these illegals will soon be richer than us stupid law abiding citizens.

Concerned Resident wrote on Oct 13, 2007 2:53 PM:The politicians seem to forget they are hired by, and work FOR THE PEOPLE. I think we should have an open public vote on this issue once and for all. Every Citizen get one vote only, tied to a SSN. Please educate yourself before voting next time, don't listen to the politicians, but rather look how THEY voted, and what THEY did for you in the past years. Then, and ONLY then, you have a chance to see their real faces. I come from a socialistic country,, and can say that it looks pretty on paper, but it truely doesn't work. Ask anyone from a socialistic country if they like that better.... Heck no !!

To Patriot and This is ridiculous!!!!! wrote on Oct 13, 2007 2:55 PM:Patriot wrote on Oct 13, 2007 10:01 AM: " While we're at it, let's give them free driver's licenses and car insurance. " This is ridiculous! wrote on Oct 13, 2007 10:26 AM:" Why don't we just sign over our paychecks directly to illegals!?! " Both of your suggestions sound good to me. I think this should be the next bill delivered to Governor Schwarzenegger.

Only story with comments printed ! wrote on Oct 13, 2007 2:56 PM:NCT - you are at it again ! This is the only story with comments printed in many hours. There is NOTHING on the Bribery case of the Poway man -part of the largest bribery in the US Congress' history (as far as we know) and centering around our own former legislator, "Duke" Cunningham. Not even 1 comment has been printed. That nobody has written i doubtful. The same goes for the stories regarding the water agencies and the SANDAG story. Also, not believeable that nobody has commented. What's up ?

Hide from ICE wrote on Oct 13, 2007 2:59 PM:How crazy is this. We give an illegal money to go to school, and then all they have to do is hide from ICE until they graduate. And then if they get deported, we've given another country a free, educated new citizen! How yea!!

DCS Temecula wrote on Oct 13, 2007 3:33 PM:Time to move out of Calif.! Not about ready to give one red cent to the illigals for their education. We paid for our kids education. Why should THEY get it free? Makes no sense!!

Gary in Murrieta wrote on Oct 13, 2007 3:42 PM:The entitlements start in preschool. I had to pull our daughter from preschool during her scond session because the school said we made to much income. I was an E-5 in the military. We could not afford the price for public preschool, but meanwhile 40% of the rest of her class who were from non-English speaking families, enjoyed California State preschool for free at my expense.

Give me a Break wrote on Oct 13, 2007 4:01 PM:My son graduated in the top 2% of his class, President of The National Honor Society, Founder & President of The Political Club, Star player for The Academic Team, Founder of the CIF Water Polo Team at 2 high schools, Captain Jr. yr., Goalie for Roller Hockey Team & helped get it as an officialy rcognized high school club, 1 of 3 students on the School Site Council (student body of over 2400), Senior Class Treasurer, Editor of high school newspaper, Swim & Tennis teams, 1 of 10 students to win Principal's choice award, among many other awards and recognition. The only financial award he received was $750 as a NCT Student of Merit Scholarship winner. He was not elgible for any other grant or financial assistant. The most he was able to get in a student loan was only $2500 for the year. He attends a UC school with an estimated cost of $23,000 a year. He is bright, articulate and likeable young man with a bright future ahead of him. In order for him to attend school, we as parents had to take out a student loan (backed by the federal government) that we have to repay with not deferment and are in serious debt just to put him in a state school that he has earned and worked hard to get where he is. He is working a part-time job while he is a full-time student and involved in extracurricular activities as well. My husband and I are working several jobs and we still can barely make ends meet. We live in an average house and have only 1 car payment. We have 2 other children and 1 of them would like to attend college next year after graduation. We pay our taxes & volunteer our time in our community. We work hard for what we have so the sacrafice we make for our children is worth it. However, if we were not willing to make these sacrafices, our brillant son, who obviously has already contributed greatly to our society and community and this is just the beginning, he would not be able to attend college. If financial aid is available to ILLEGALS (which means they are criminals by the definition of our own laws & standards, why should they receive any assistance at all, especially when there are those who are much more deserving of the aid and are not able to receive ANY financial assistance. Why don't we just start giving out money to criminals to help finance their illegal activities and businesses. After all, business is business, right? Who cares if they are here illegally, which is a crime. Let's forget about the students who have worked hard and deserve assistance who are U.S. citizens and California residents. Who cares about them?

Arrest the Parents wrote on Oct 13, 2007 4:15 PM:OK, kids can stay and get a free education but parents must be arested and deported.

American tax payer wrote on Oct 13, 2007 4:21 PM:I am 63 years old. I have worked for 45 years. I held 3 jobs while putting MYSELF through college. My dad was injured in WWII, came home in a body cast but worked after the cast was off.My mom had to work to pay our food bills while dad recovered.She's 86 and just retired last year.I can't retire now because I can't afford it.We pay over $1K for health insurance.When I do retire, will there be anything left is Social security? Stop giving away my retirement to non-citizens who haven't earned it! Stop now! IF YOU PASS THIS BILL, I WILL ORGANIZE A TAXPAYER REVOLT. HOW MANY OF US CAN YOU PUT IN JAIL? It worked for real estate taxes, why not this?

to Ralphs @10:59am wrote on Oct 13, 2007 5:26 PM:Ralphs asks "Is there something here that we citizens don't understand?" From reading your comment, I'd say yes, there's a lot you don't understand. And a few others, too. One writer says "thank the liberals", but liberals aren't in charge. Another writer says thanks to Diane, Nancy and Barbara, but they are in the U.S. Congress, not the California legislature. When are you people going to get it? The "military industrial complex" is in charge, and they do whatever is in their best interests. Lawyers, liberals, "illegals" aren't the problem. Put aside your prejudices, look deeper, do some critical thinking for a change.

What? wrote on Oct 13, 2007 5:37 PM:I am with you American tax payer.

financial aid wrote on Oct 13, 2007 5:39 PM:As a US citizen i get a minimum of financial aid for college 348 dls this semester to be exact. I either dont qualify for more, or they're giving it to people who dont use it for school, i seen it happen all the time. now they want to give money to illegals, wow i wonder what i will get next semester if this bill passes ,, 100 dls maybe?

Adios wrote on Oct 13, 2007 5:40 PM:To all of you threatening to move out of state, please do. I'll stay and keep eating food picked and cooked by Mexicans, and sipping margaritas brought to my table by those pretty Mexican waitresses.

guru53 wrote on Oct 13, 2007 5:52 PM:I'm spilling some family poverty here: My family is white, poor, parents drank too much, father war vet. My four siblings never got free lunch, free clothes and maybe free doctor visits once in awhile because my dad was a vet. This was in the 60's and 70's in Solana Beach. My grandmother bought and paid our mortgage every month. Mesa junion college was almost free back then for citizens. My siblings and I did get 4 years of college on the GI bill. My father was in 2 wars (WWII and Korea) before I was born. He was a messed up man after that. I feel life was hard for me and I didn't get the freebies either. I was hungry all time because my parents drank it all uo.

Eduardo wrote on Oct 13, 2007 6:01 PM:Is this a great state or what? Where else but in American can I enter illegally and still have access to benefits not afforded it's citizens!

tom wrote on Oct 13, 2007 6:17 PM:100+ comments should tell you something.

Ralphs wrote on Oct 13, 2007 6:32 PM:To the Liberal who answered my blog at 5:26. Who controls the State Senate? Liberal Democrats. Maybe you need an update on who runs the State of California. I really don't care who runs the state as long as they look out for the welfare of its citizens. What part of illegal means a citizen of the United States of America.

tom wrote on Oct 13, 2007 6:40 PM:go to 'state of california' and send the gov an email of what you think. put your efforts where they might do some good.

Skip wrote on Oct 13, 2007 7:09 PM:ARNIE VETOES DREAM ACT: YEAH!!!

Big Richard wrote on Oct 13, 2007 7:14 PM:to Ralphs @10:59am... It doesnt take a Big Thinker to know LIBERAL ACTIVISTS JUDGES. stop or suspend any legislation brought forth by city government (escondido) or state government Texas arizona california. So yes absolutely blame it on liberalism and ACLU activist idiots who will be the downfall of this country.

Skip wrote on Oct 13, 2007 7:22 PM:I think Arnold read this Blog !!!!!!!!!

Houston wrote on Oct 13, 2007 7:31 PM:I"m am so tired of our tax dollars going to pay for people who are in this country illegally. Americans are fed up with it. We will prove it in the polls.

zeezil wrote on Oct 13, 2007 7:33 PM:It's good to see common sense prevail in California. I'm astounded that any state, politican or bureaucrat would even so much as think of giving benefits and legal standing to illegal aliens. Thank you, Governor.

Schwarzenegger Vetoes DREAM Act wrote on Oct 13, 2007 7:34 PM:"It would not be prudent to place additional strain on the General Fund to accord the new benefit of providing state subsidized financial aid to students without lawful immigration status," Schwarzenegger wrote in his veto message. Those students already qualify for the lower in-state tuition rate, Schwarzenegger continued.

caasduit wrote on Oct 13, 2007 7:44 PM:I really sweated this one, I called his office at 3:00 in the morning sometimes to vote. Which one can do when they put it in his system. I just struggled to get my son in school, am swimming in debt. the very thought of illegal aliens getting help my son couldn't made my skin crawl.

eLLEN wrote on Oct 13, 2007 7:59 PM:Gov. Schwarzenegger made the right choice, standing by California taxpayers. Also it is not fair that California taxpayers are paying the education of illegal immigrants taking seats in the overcrowded UC and State colleges. These schools turnaway over half of the applicants, they are not building enough colleges to keep up with the population boom of California. They just don't have the capacity to serve thousands (currently) of illegal immigrants from foreign countries and provide college seats for California (legal) students. We should contact the UC Regents and State University deans and California Department of Education to have them please give priorty to US Citizens. We are paying for it.

Ellen wrote on Oct 13, 2007 8:00 PM:Gov. Schwarzenegger made the right choice, standing by California taxpayers. Also it is not fair that California taxpayers are paying the education of illegal immigrants taking seats in the overcrowded UC and State colleges. These schools turnaway over half of the applicants, they are not building enough colleges to keep up with the population boom of California. They just don't have the capacity to serve thousands (currently) of illegal immigrants from foreign countries and provide college seats for California (legal) students. We should contact the UC Regents and State University deans and California Department of Education to have them please give priorty to US Citizens. We are paying for it.

Dan wrote on Oct 13, 2007 8:01 PM:I find it hard to believe we have enough idiot politicians in Sacramento to even get such a bill to the Governors desk. A good job by the Governor. And remember, Barack Obama was trying to get him to sign the Dream Act. California may be kno