Tuition tussle<br/><span class='hl2'>Istook aim at rate law is off base</span>

U.S. REP. Ernest Istook is in a tough position. He's waging an uphill battle against Gov. Brad Henry for the state's top job at a time when Henry has a hefty campaign chest and is popular with voters.

Istook, R-Warr Acres, is hammering Henry over illegal immigration, saying the governor hasn't done enough and his inaction is costing taxpayers. The seven-term congressman is right that immigration is a top issue that resonates with voters. But he's wrong to target undocumented teenagers whose goal is a college education so they can be productive U.S. citizens.

Not for the first time, Istook said this week that he'll work to repeal a 2003 state law that allows undocumented students to attend state schools at in-state tuition rates and apply for state financial aid. He faults Henry for signing the bill into law, although it took a majority of legislators approving it before it landed on Henry's desk.

To qualify for the in-state rate, undocumented students must have attended school in the state for two years, have a diploma from an Oklahoma high school or a GED and confirm that they have a temporary visa or have an application for legal immigrant status as soon as possible.

Page 1 of 2

1 2 Next