Supreme Court Rejects Challenge to In-State Tuition for Undocumented Students in California

Students take part in a mock graduation ceremony at the state Capitol in Salem, Ore., on Wednesday, May 11, 2011. The ceremony was intended to promote a bill that would allow illegal immigrants to pay in-state tuition to attend Oregon universities. (AP Photo/Jonathan J. Cooper)

California will continue to allow to undocumented immigrants to pay in-state tuition rates universities after the Supreme Court rejected a legal challenge to the state's policy.

The justices on Monday refused to review a California Supreme Court ruling that upheld a state law allowing California high school graduates, regardless of their immigration status, to pay in-state tuition rates. The court did not comment on its action.

The law's challengers say it conflicts with federal immigration law that prohibits post-secondary education aid to undocumented immigrants.

Eleven other states grant similar benefits to illegal immigrants. They are: Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin.

Based on reporting by the Associated Press.