Published November 17, 2010

There is surprisingly little debate in the blogosphere about Gov. Deval Patrick’s bold approach to immigration policy, which he detailed before a receptive crowd Tuesday at the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition.

Gov. Deval Patrick (AP)

Patrick says he will seek in-state college tuition for undocumented immigrants who attended high school in Massachusetts. (Think of it as our version of the DREAM Act.) And Patrick favors drivers’ licenses for people who are here illegally.

“I know that embracing newcomers is out of fashion these days,” Patrick said at the coalition’s annual Thanksgiving luncheon in Boston. “The concern over illegal immigration has become so shrill that all immigrants get swept up in that emotion. I want you to know that you are welcome here in this commonwealth. This is your commonwealth. This is your home.”

The governor downplayed immigration during his re-election campaign, as some commenters have noted. His speech yesterday reignites a tense debate on Beacon Hill, as Kyle Cheney and Michael Norton report for the State House News Service. State Republicans oppose the plan.

Patrick said he supports all 131 recommendations from a year-old administration report. (Kudos to MassLive.com for finding the link. They also have video of the speech and a good write-up.)

What do you think?

• Do you support reduced college tuition — subsidized by taxpayers — for people who came here illegally but graduated high school?
• Do you think people who are here illegally, many of them behind the wheel already, should have drivers’ licenses?

Jump into the comments and respond (and please remain respectful).