DALLAS (AP) _ Thousands of illegal immigrants paid in-state tuition or received other financial aid at public colleges and universities across Texas during late 2009.
Figures from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board show about 1 percent of all Texas college students, in the fall semester, benefited from a 2001 law granting such in-state tuition.
The Dallas Morning News reported Monday that the figure topped 12,000 students who are illegal immigrants, not legal permanent residents or not U.S. citizens.
A challenge to the state law was filed in December by the Immigration Reform Coalition of Texas.
The law requires students to attend school in the state for at least three years before graduation from a Texas high school. Students also must file an affidavit saying they plan to seek permanent residency.