It is no secret that America has been in the midst of controversy over immigration within the country. However, the argument has now grown to encompass the idea to allow these “undocumented citizens” the right to attend universities and apply for financial aid and scholarships.

Supporters of immigrants’ rights are energized now that various states are passing statutes allowing these undocumented persons to pay in-state tuition for a college education; there are fifteen states now holding such statues. Florida, Indiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, Mississippi, New Hampshire, and Virginia even have bills under consideration that would extend the in-state benefits. These benefits are planned to step up the eligibility for these students to apply for state financial aid, including scholarships or grants.

The well-being of every individual and their education is all well and great, but the sole phrase “undocumented citizen” implies illegitimacy. These citizens should not even be in the United States, yet they are using assets that should be allotted to true citizens.

In-state tuition may only be a few hundred dollars for any school, as the fees are what really make up the cost of university, but these fees are going to be problematic for anyone, legal citizen or not. Thus, what will stop these people to apply for financial aid and seeking more help from the government? Simply put, there is nothing stopping them. Why not wreak benefits that you never have to pay for from a system that you are not attached to?

This attitude of take boils down to a much more controversial issue: should our government put precedence over these illegal citizens? For example, if I were to apply for financial aid, the amount of money my father makes would most likely exceed the amount of one of these undocumented citizens. Consequently, I would receive little to no financial aid, as the government will put most of its money in helping those who are “less fortune.”

So, does this prove that the government truly doesn’t care about their own citizens? In the grand scheme of things, it would not be politically correct to say they do not care, but that the priorities of the government are skewed.

Ultimately, charity is a worth, respectable cause, but when these charities are taking away something that should be entitled to those the government should be watching out for.