The state Senate has passed a bill allowing New Jersey residents who were brought to the United States illegally as children to pay in-state tuition rates for college.

Statehouse
NJ State House in Trenton (Townsquare Media)
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Monday's vote was 25-12.

The bill permits this group of residents, who are not citizens, to attend state colleges and universities at the cheaper in-state rate. The Assembly passed a similar bill, but the Assembly version does not include a provision allowing undocumented students to receive financial aid.

Incoming Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto has indicated the Assembly would amend its bill. But it's not known whether Gov. Chris Christie would sign the legislation.

One Republican senator said the state doesn't have enough slots to accommodate college students who are citizens.

At least a dozen other states have similar legislation on their books.

(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved)

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