The Associated Press
Posted: 12:53 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2012

DENVER —

Colorado lawmakers will try again to grant in-state tuition to illegal immigrants who graduated from state high schools.

Democratic Sen. Michael Johnston of Denver is introducing the legislation Wednesday. Five previous attempts have failed but lawmakers have made modifications over the years to make the proposal more appealing to Republicans. This time the bill would give colleges the option to opt-out of giving illegal immigrants in-state tuition.

The out-of-state tuition rate can be three times more expensive than the in-state rate. Supporters of the legislation say the higher rates illegal immigrant students have to pay is a roadblock to education. Republicans say the bill incentivizes illegal immigration.

About a dozen states have similar tuition legislation for illegal immigrants, including Illinois, Kansas and Texas.

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