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Patrick Eyes In-State Tuition for Immigrants

Governor Deval Patrick says he's researching whether he can take unilateral action to allow illegal immigrants to pay in-state tuition at state colleges.

The revelation touched off strong reaction on Beacon Hill, where House lawmakers two years ago defied Speaker Salvatore DiMasi and defeated a bill that would let those students pay the same rate as their high school classmates.

Patrick, who has long supported the idea, says his legal team is looking into whether the change can be made without approval from the Legislature.

Supporters argue that children of illegal immigrants who have graduated from Massachusetts high schools should pay the same tuition as their classmates.

But opponents say he state shouldn't be educating undocumented students so they can take higher paying jobs from legal residents.

This program aired on January 11, 2008. The audio for this program is not available.

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