Why did Barack Obama co-sponsored a bill giving illegal immigrants in-state tuition?

http://www.npr.org/news/specials/election2008/issues/immigration.html Sen. Barack Obama (IL): He co-sponsored a bill to allow states to offer illegal immigrants in-state tuition. Would this deter immigrants from illegally crossing the border, what say you?

Public Comments

1. Another Lib making you pay for them buying votes.
2. he's a socialist in disguise. benefits are always to be given to the "downtrodden" at the expense of "the rich".
3. I would rather share this country with well-educated illegals than ignorant ones. They DO pay taxes too, you know.
4. He's a far-left wing "liberal", that's why!
5. I had a Hispanic woman in my business class during winter quarter of 2007, and she was receiving financial aid for tuition and she was not a citizen. She was quite smug in declaring that she planned to go right back to Mexico with her degree, and she also made a pointed remark about how her friends are also in the us illegally, but refuse to attempt to become citizens because they don't like America and don't want to be Americans. Hmmm. They sure like our social programs though...... Additional comment: They should learn English. I do not believe that to be an extraordinary demand. You are coming to another country to work, and live, why would you not learn the language of that country? How can one prosper if they cannot fully function in society or the business world because of a language barrier?
6. Well you people did want to force them to speak English didn't you? Who did you think was going to pay for it like every other crazy new law you people come up with?
7. It rewards illegal immigrants and steals from American citizens.
8. thanks for using a legitimate source - i don't have a problem attracting great minds to come here and be educated - so long as they are willing to stay. A college education is something the majority of americans do not have and illegals fill vital roles especially in the computer and engineering fields (many overstay their visas). However, i do not believe that an illegal should be granted privileges that americans do not have. obama was wrong on this issue.
9. It's actually providing a way for the college age children of immigrants to go to college and better themselves. Better than having them on the streets causing trouble. And it's more likely that if they're going to commit themselves to studying for a college degree, they are going to take the necessary steps toward becoming full-fledged citizens. Wouldn't you rather have college educated immigrants?
10. didn't you just say yesterday that obama did nothing? how he is co-sponsoring bills? make up your mind!