In-State-Tuition for Unauthorized Residents: Teaching a Person to Fish

Illegal immigration has become one of the most important issues we face as a nation, and as greater attention is focused on the sociological and economic impact of illegal immigration, policies related to in-state-tuition for unauthorized residents are in a state of flux. Since 2005, the number of states offering in-state-tuition for unauthorized residents has more than doubled. Using the rational from "Plyler v. Doe" and economic data from the Heritage Foundation and the Pew Research Institute, the authors argue for increased access to in-state-tuition for unauthorized residents. Increased access will improve economic productivity, reduce crime and reduce dependence on governmental services. If it is true that giving a person a fish means they will eat for today, but teaching a person to fish means they will eat for a lifetime, then why choose the former especially when their catch can feed others as well?