N.C. pushes ban on illegal immigrant students
By Daniel C. Vock, Stateline.org Staff Writer

While other states struggle with the issue, North Carolina alone is moving ahead with an interpretation of a federal law that says illegal immigrants cannot attend community colleges, even if the students pay more than the cost of their education.

The new policy, (PDF: http://www.ncccs.cc.nc.us/News_Releases/CC08-114.pdf ) approved May 13 by the North Carolina Community College System, comes after six months of political and legal controversy on the topic, but it is unlikely to be the last word in an area where federal courts and immigration officials have offered little guidance to states.

Practically speaking, the decision’s effect will be limited. It doesn’t apply to students attending English as a Second Language classes or vocational training, for instance. Only 112 North Carolina community college students who pursued academic credit last year — out of a total of 296,520 — likely were illegal immigrants, according to the community college system.

But symbolically, the policy is “insultingâ€