Well, this is just nuts.

Oregon may be about to join a growing number of states that are offering cheaper, in-state college tuition rates to illegal immigrants in a move supporters say will help them become productive, taxpaying members of society.

Forget tuition rates for a minute. Why the hell are illegal immigrant applications even being considered? This seems like a no-brainer. They're illegal. Call me a protectionist redneck if you like, but especially after 9/11 I don't want anybody in this country who isn't on the books.

But wait, there's more:

The savings for illegal immigrants could be considerable. In-state students at the University of Oregon next year will pay $4,875 in tuition and fees, while other students will pay about four times as much.

So get this: A student from Illinois would pay around $20,000 a year to attend the University of Oregon next year. An alien living illegally in Oregon would pay less than $5K.

That sound right to you?