If you've battled a US high school for three years, you deserve in state tuition.

I am writing in response to a blog by a class mate about illegal immigrants in California getting in-state tuition. 
My classmate believes that it is horrible that California is making it easier for illegal immigrants to take positions in California colleges and universities from citizens. I strongly disagree.
The catch is; these illegal immigrants are only being granted in-state tuition when they have attended for three years and subsequently graduated from a California high school. That is quite the stipulation. In addition, these illegal immigrants are not allowed any federal financial aid (which of course makes sense). Judging from the circumstances under which illegal immigrants usually come to the United States, the two criteria of having a solid and continuous school record complete with graduation and having money to pay for college make it difficult enough for these illegal immigrants to attend college. And lest we forget; these illegal immigrants are just kids. They are kids who most likely did not make the decision to come to the United States illegally, but followed their parents. They are kids who haven't known much else besides the public schools they have been attending in California since coming to the United States; and they are trying to make the best of their situation.
My classmate argues that this will cause illegal immigrants to take positions in California universities away from our own national children. However, universities are and always have been competitive. If these immigrants are smarter and more qualified to attend a university and that university chooses them above a US native; then so be it. Your US citizen teenager should have appreciated their opportunities more and studied a little harder. Then maybe they could have been chosen over the illegal immigrant.
In addition, I think it is important to point out that this doesn't mean a whole bunch of illegal immigrants are going to take over California schools because as I have already stated; Even though this law makes it easier for illegal immigrants to attend college, it is still really really hard for them.