A New Jersey Senate committee has approved a bill that would allow those who are in the country illegally to qualify for in-state tuition at state colleges and universities.

However, the measure remains stalled in the Assembly and it may not go before a budget panel until late August.

The Senate Higher Education committee approved the measure Thursday after hearing testimony from immigrants who struggled to pay for school at the out-of-state rate.

To be eligible, a student must have attended a New Jersey public high school for at least three years and have a diploma or the equivalent. They also must submit an affidavit stating they have filed or will file an application to legalize their immigration status as soon as they are eligible.

 

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.

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