DES MOINES, Iowa — More than 40 Iowa residents attended the Iowa Immigration Movement for Justice's rally against pieces of legislation they feel are targeting migrant residents.
One of the bills of concern would require all students to provide proof of citizenship or lawful presence in the U.S. in order to qualify for in-state tuition at all of Iowa's state schools.
Immigration advocate Cecilia Martinez believes students who call Iowa home should be able to receive in-state tuition.
"A lot of folks again, that are, you know, have lived in Iowa for years, and want to continue making Iowa home, have another barrier put in front of them in order to reach, you know, higher education and to better their lives and their communities," Martinez said.
Rep. Taylor Collins, R-Muscatine, believes the purpose behind the legislation is cut and dry.
"This bill is very simple," he said. "If you come into the country illegally, we are not going to subsidize your college education."
Collins also referenced another bill introduced by House Republicans that would eliminate any public assistance for migrants who enter the country illegally.
"We want to make sure we are not encouraging more illegal immigration by offering those kinds of public goods and services to those who have broken the law," Collins said.
Rep. Sami Scheetz, D-Cedar Rapids, opposes the bill, believing it targets a small portion of our population and would be an unnecessary hassle for the regent universities.
"Our public universities aren't equipped nor should they have to be checking birth certificates [or] passports for authenticity," Scheetz said. "It's a huge administrative cost. And it's just a waste of their time at this point."
Scheetz adds he thinks there are too many bill proposals aiming to harm immigrant communities.
"It's really important to not just see this as an individual house file, but there is tons of anti-immigrant legislation that is coursing through the building," Scheetz said.
Martinez shares how she has noticed many younger Iowans are leaving the state due to harmful legislation, but she will continue to represent immigrants in Iowa.
"Legislators want Iowa to look a certain way and that does not line up with the reality of what Iowa is," Martinez said.
The bill has already made its way out of the House Judiciary Committee and is now awaiting consideration in the full House.