In-State Tuition Bills- S1036/S1933 & A194/A990

The proposed In-State Tuition Bills would allow all residents (legal and non-documented) of New Jersey to qualify for in-state tuition rates at public institutions of higher education.  This bill would benefit the entire State of New Jersey by allowing all students that have graduated with good grades, demonstrated good character, and attended at least three years of high school in New Jersey to pay the same tuition regardless of citizen or immigration status.

Currently, undocumented  students who are residents of New Jersey are required to pay out-of-state tuition rates, which could be up to double the resident state tuition rates.  For many the higher rate goes beyond their financial means impeding their ability to attend college.  In addition, only U.S. citizens are entitled to Federal Student Aid for college.

This bill affects those individuals who have grown up in New Jersey, have attended and graduated from New Jersey public or non-public school system, and who are residents with New Jersey roots who are committed to becoming citizens. Very often these students came to this country because their family was fleeing political, religious or economic instability, a decision made by the parents not the student.  Yet, despite the many obstacles they have faced, these students worked hard and succeeded in school. 

This bill would reward them for their hard work, initiative and desire to pursue higher education to become productive members of our communities.  When talented students in our communities are prevented from reaching their full potential, we all suffer.  However, we are also opening the door for state and federal aid to be divided among a larger population, by allowing non-documented families access to these funds.  The bills have solid arguments on both sides of the coin and should be decided shortly.  

Choosing an Immigration Attorney

        Many times the difference between an approval and a denial in an immigration case is the effort that the attorney makes on your behalf.  When choosing an immigration law firm, it is important to ask questions and look for the following qualities:

·         Exclusive immigration law expertise. Does the law firm practice immigration law exclusively or does it practice other areas of law in addition to immigration law? Immigration law is an extremely complex area of the law. By limiting practice to immigration law, your immigration attorney should be able to concentrate on what it does and knows best: United States immigration law. Your attorney needs to continually update his/her knowledge of United States immigration law through publications, continuing legal education, and a network of contacts throughout the immigration community.

·         Accessible immigration attorney. Will you be able to contact your lawyer easily? Does he/she speak your language?  Will you be able to speak directly to your lawyer or will you have to work with a paralegal?

·         Experience with complex and difficult immigration cases. Is the law firm prepared to handle the unexpected turns that many immigration cases can take? Does the law firm have relationships in place with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services,(USCIS) ICE, EOIR, the National Visa Center and the Department of Labor which will aid in representing you.  

·         Credentials.  Are the attorneys admitted to the Supreme Court of New Jersey or the State where you live?  Have they passed the State Bar Exams? What are the credentials of the paralegals which whom you will be working?

·         Clear Fee Schedules.  Is the fee quoted for the service an all inclusive fee or will there be additional charges added as the case progresses?  Does the law firm charge additional phone time fees, postage fees, communication fees, faxing or other electronic fees.  Most DNA tests fees are separate and are paid directly to the DNA testing facility.