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Md. Immigrant In-State Tuition Bill Advances

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- A measure allowing some illegal immigrants to pay in-state tuition rates at Maryland colleges has passed the Maryland Senate.

The bill approved Monday still must be approved by the House of Delegates before going to Gov. Martin O'Malley, who has said he will sign it.

Sen. Victor Ramirez, a Democrat from Prince George's sponsored the bill. He immigrated legally as a child from El Salvador. He told opponents during debate that voting against the bill would not solve problems relating to people living illegally in the state.

The financial implications for students are significant.

In-state tuition is $8,416 annually, and out-of-state students pay $24,831 a year.

Opponents said the legislation raised the issue of who subsidizes the education of illegal immigrants covered by the legislation, not whether they can attend college.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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