Associated Press - February 15, 2009 4:25 PM ET
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (AP) - Dayana Rodrigues graduated in the top 5% of her high school class in 2007 and completed nursing prerequisites at Horry-Georgetown Technical College.
But The Post and Courier of Charleston reports that in January, the college refused to re-enroll the 20-year-old returning student because she is an undocumented immigrant.
The South Carolina Illegal Immigration Reform Act became law in June and, among other measures, banned illegal immigrants from attending colleges and universities that receive state money.
Supporters of the ban feel strongly that taxpayers' money should not fund a school that is educating lawbreakers. Opponents said it's unfair to punish children for their parents' crimes.
South Carolina is the first state to legalize such a ban, although other Southern states have restrictive policies.
Information from: The Post and Courier, http://www.charleston.net
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