Bill would cut tuition for some illegal immigrants

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Some illegal immigrants could attend public universities at in-state tuition rates in Missouri under a bill in the Legislature.

The Senate Education Committee heard testimony on the bill Wednesday. The sponsor, Democratic Sen. Jolie Justus of Kansas City, says it mirrors laws in 10 other states including Illinois, Kansas and Nebraska.

Missouri residents pay lower tuition at public universities than students from outside the state.

The legislation would offer in-state tuition to illegal immigrants meeting certain conditions, including graduating from a Missouri high school after attending for two years. They would also have to actively apply for permanent residency. Only people living in Missouri when the bill was signed into law would qualify.