That’s the thing. If the grant is with private money they can specify who it goes to.
I’m not one of those people bitching illegal aliens are using the welfare system (I know you aren’t directing your statement to me, I am just adding to the conversation) and I also know some undocumented workers actually pay into the tax system by using false social security numbers, but many don’t. Many work under the table. Their children are educated with our tax money in primary and secondary school. I can’t fathom sending someone “back” to their country if they basically grew up here, and I do think allowing them to have an education is important for society.
I am a big believer in providing a college education to the poor for free to the best of the best academically. I see it as a great loss to the individual and the country for someone who is brilliant and wants to pursue academics to be deprived of it because of monetary obstacles. However, I am not in favor of loans and grants being handed out to students who really cannot keep up, and might do better in a vocational program or as an apprentice. I’m sure at UC Berkley the students are very capable.