SALEM, Ore. — Oregon on Tuesday took two major steps to help integrate some of the thousands of immigrants living in the state illegally.
Gov. John Kitzhaber signed into law a bill granting resident tuition at public universities for people who can’t prove citizenship. On the same day, eight lawmakers introduced a bill that would make it possible for people living in the state without documentation to obtain driver’s licenses valid for four years.
“It’s a very good day for all Latinos,” said Francisco Lopez, the executive director of CAUSA, an immigrant rights group.
About 12 percent of Oregon’s population identifies as Hispanic or Latino, according to the United States Census Bureau. That’s about 450,000 people, making it the state’s largest minority group.
Kitzhaber was flanked by Latino advocates and other supporters of the resident tuition law as he signed it in his office. “Each and every Oregonian deserves a shot at the American Dream,” Kitzhaber said.
Oregon joins at least 14 other states that offer resident tuition to young immigrants who don’t have U.S. citizenship.
“This shows leadership to the nation,” said Jaime Limon-Guzman, an activist who has been living without documentation since age 12.
