Two bills (S1036 and A990) would enable New Jersey to join 11 other states in allowing an estimated 1,500 to 2,000 undocumented students per year to pay resident rates provided they show good grades, solid character, and attend at least three years of high school in state.

Earlier this week, the New Jersey Assembly Appropriations Committee voted 7-4 and the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee voted 8-6 to send the legislation to the floor for the first time in New Jersey history.

The bill was endorsed by the outgoing Governor Jon Corzine's Blue Ribbon Advisory Panel on Immigrant Policy and the New Jersey legislature is trying to pass the bill before Governor-elect Chris Christie resumes office.There is no negative fiscal impact for this policy change.

Floor votes in the Assembly and Senate are scheduled as early as this Thursday. If New Jersey does not pass tuition parity in this legislative session, than the state may not get a chance to do so for another 8 years. Time is of the essence.

If you live in New Jersey, after signing the petition below, call these senators and ask them to support tuition parity for New Jersey residents - Senate Bill 1036.

Senator Sean T. Kean  - (732) 974-0400

Senator Anthony R. Bucco  - (973) 627-9700

Senator Michael J. Doherty  - (908) 835-0552

My name is ______. I live in ______. I am a member of ________ and I support S1036 and I am urging Senator _____ to do the same. Immigrant's rights are human rights and one of those is the right to an education. This bill is budget neutral. These children deserve the opportunity to fulfill their future promise so that they can continue to contribute to our state.