DENVER � The Colorado Senate this morning passed a Pueblo lawmaker�s bill that would create a discount rate of college tuition for illegal immigrants who attended high school in the state.

Under SB15, sponsored by Sen. Angela Giron, D-Pueblo, those students would pay more than the in-state rate of tuition, but less than the nonresident rate that currently applies to them.

Colleges would have the option not to offer the third rate of tuition, and students would be required to enter the legal immigration pipeline in order to qualify for it.

Proponents say the change would bolster revenue to colleges and follow through with the state�s public-education investment in the students. They also contend that many students who would benefit from the third tier of tuition were brought to the country illegally by their parents and had no choice in the matter.

Opponents contend the bill would create an incentive for illegal immigration to Colorado. They also argue that it presents students with false hope because they would not be able to work legally in the country until they attain citizenship.

The bill�s passage in the Democratically controlled Senate was not a surprise. Its first true test will come next, when it is heard by a Republican House committee. A similar bill last year died at that stage.