U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan apparently thinks states should treat college students from other countries more favorably than they do those from other states. Legislators in most states are right to disagree with him on that.
Duncan on Monday praised states that allow children of illegal immigrants to pay in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities. Just 12 states do that.
About 65,000 ''undocumented'' students graduate from U.S. high schools every year, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Only about five percent of them go on to college. Obviously, cost is a barrier to many. But cost is an obstacle to most young American citizens who want to further their educations.
In-state tuition rates recognize the fact public colleges and universities are subsidized heavily by taxpayers in their states - by citizens.
Clearly, Duncan is hoping to gain Hispanic votes for his boss, President Obama, in the 2012 election. Again, however, legislators in our state are right to withhold favorable tuition treatment from the children of illegal immigrants.