ast updated January 22, 2010 2:20 p.m. PT
UW prez endorses college for undocumented students

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

SEATTLE -- University of Washington president Mark Emmert says he supports allowing illegal immigrant students to attend college as a pathway to permanent residency and U.S. citizenship.

Emmert gave his endorsement of a bill called the Dream Act in letters he wrote to Washington's two U.S. senators. The bill being considered in Congress would open an avenue to conditional permanent residency for high school students who are illegally in the country and want to go to college.

Those students would not be eligible for federal financial aid, but could take out student loans.

Emmert says the DREAM Act would ensure "talented individuals stay in the United States legally," which in turn would help the country's economy.

The Dream Act legislation has stalled in Congress recently. But advocates say it is expected to be a key component in the comprehensive immigration bill lawmakers in Congress want to consider.

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