RICHMOND — State lawmakers are debating legislation that would forbid illegal aliens from attending state-sponsored colleges, a measure that, if approved, would put Virginia at the forefront of immigration reform in the United States.
"This is the first time I've ever heard of a state doing anything like this," said Lynda S. Zengerle, a lawyer who heads the Immigration practice in the International Group at the D.C.-based law firm of Steptoe and Johnson.
Delegate David B. Albo, the Fairfax County Republican who co-sponsored the bill, said the state has been forced to take strong measures against illegal aliens because seven of the September 11 hijackers possessed Virginia driver's licenses.
"We were put in a situation where we had to do something," Mr. Albo said. "We certainly are in the forefront of the problem."
Posted by Suzanne at February 2, 2005