From the NewsObserver.com:

In a reversal of its former advice, the state Attorney General’s Office said Friday that no law bars illegal immigrants from community colleges.

But it’s not clear when or whether those illegally in the United States will again be admitted to North Carolina’s 58 community colleges.

Scott Ralls, president of the Community College System, said Friday that its board must decide whether to allow students who cannot prove legal status. He made no promises, even though he and members of the board have said in the past that they would like to admit illegal immigrants.

“We have a great belief in our foundation of open-door policies,” Ralls said. “But we believe that this is an important decision that doesn’t need to be made overnight.”

Board Chairwoman Hilda Pinnix-Ragland said in a statement that the board will discuss the issue at its next meeting, set for Aug. 14 and 15.

The Community College System has changed its position on allowing illegal immigrants four times since 2001. Most recently, in May, it barred them from degree programs on the advice of the state Attorney General’s Office.

At that time, J.B. Kelly, general counsel for Attorney General Roy Cooper, said higher education, even at out-of-state tuition rates, might qualify as a public benefit to which illegal immigrants are not entitled under federal law.

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