ANNAPOLIS | Maryland’s highest court ruled Wednesday that a law allowing in-state tuition for some illegal immigrants will go to referendum this fall.
The Court of Appeals ruled that the Dream Act is subject to a statewide vote, rejecting a lawsuit by immigrant advocacy group Casa de Maryland arguing that the law governs appropriation of state funds and cannot be petitioned onto the ballot.
The court heard testimony in the case Tuesday before delivering its decision Wednesday morning. The decision contained only the court’s ruling and did not include the court’s rationale.
The General Assembly passed the Dream Act in 2011, but opponents collected enough voter signatures last summer to suspend the law and force a referendum this year. The law would allow college-aged illegal immigrants who meet certain qualifications to pay in-state tuition rates at public universities and colleges.
Dream Act supporters sued the state last year over its approval of the petition, but the case was dismissed in February in Anne Arundel County Circuit Court. Wednesday’s ruling upheld that decision.
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David Hill joined The Washington Times in February 2011 as a Maryland political reporter. He can be reached at dhill@washingtontimes.com.
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