Wisconsin state legislators and Gov. Jim Doyle did something exceedingly decent the other day. They simply said that offspring should not suffer for the alleged sins of their fathers.

We're talking about the children of illegal immigrants and the decency involves making college affordable for them.

Now, of course, the illegal immigration that some label as egregious sin has generally benefited this country greatly. But the what-part-of-illegal-don't-you-understand crowd has long taken the position that children brought here by their illegal immigrant parents are just as "sinful."

No matter that they were likely toddlers when they arrived and had no say in the matter. No matter that, for many, this is the only country they've ever known. No matter that it is counterproductive to deny a child who has been allowed a public education culminating in a high school diploma further advancement.

The Legislature — and the governor with his signature on the budget on Monday — fixed that, making Wisconsin the 11th state in the nation to allow these students to pay in-state tuition rather than the out-of-state fees that keep college out of reach.

There is opportunity to do even more on a broader scale. Pending in Congress is the so-called Dream Act. This would give the estimated 65,000 illegal immigrant students who graduate from high school each year a path to citizenship. This would happen either by completing two years in the military or college.

This would help students whose families have instilled in them the kind of work ethic we've said we value an opportunity to contribute more meaningfully to their adopted country.

Decency. That's one word for it. Smart is another.

REPRINTED FROM THE MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL.