In-state tuition for the children of illegal immigrants and shifting political tides

Don't miss "Past Immigrant Tuition Bill Won Votes from GOP," an article by the Denver Post's Lynn Bartels that neatly captures the absurdity over the politics of illegal immigration in this state. Bartels points out that "five years ago, a Republican-controlled Senate approved an amended bill that would have made...

By Michael Roberts

April 6, 2009

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Don't miss "Past Immigrant Tuition Bill Won Votes from GOP," an article by the Denver Post's Lynn Bartels that neatly captures the absurdity over the politics of illegal immigration in this state. Bartels points out that "five years ago, a Republican-controlled Senate approved an amended bill that would have made the children of illegal immigrants eligible to pay in-state tuition" -- and the measure was exceedingly similar to one boosted by Democrat Chris Romer that's likely to get zero conservative support. Former Senate president John Andrews co-sponsored the 2004 legislation but now says he "never supported in-state tuition for illegal immigrants and voted for the bill solely as a procedural move" -- cue gales of laughter. Ken Kester, a Republican who voted for the previous bill but opposes the latest iteration, comes across as more forthright, noting that he isn't backing Romer's baby because "I don't have any constituents who like it."

Politics as usual is seldom so amusing.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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