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RALEIGH – The State Board of Community Colleges voted 13 to one to allow illegal immigrants to all 58 North Carolina community colleges during a meeting Friday.

The board actually approved the policy last September, but before it could be finalized, members had to take public comment.

“We were able to get lots of great data and input and as a result we now have an admissions process and policy that aligns with our K through 12 education system and with our university system,” Hilda Pinnix-Ragland, the board chair, said. “I am so so proud of the board and of the decision that has been made today.”

Now, a state review committee has to review the board's final policy, which could be a long process.

“It must go back to the Rules Review Committee for final approval. We do not anticipate any further revisions will be necessary due to rules review questions or comments,” Dr. Stuart Fountain, the policy committee chair, said. “However, if the Rules Review Committee receives as many as 10 objections to this rule, it is automatically sent over to the legislature for further consideration.”

The policy states that all community colleges would admit illegal immigrants. It will restrict access to United States high school graduates, and it will require students to pay out-of-state tuition and give legal residents priority if a class is full.

The only member to oppose the policy was Lt. Gov. Walter Dalton.

“I stand by my initial vote on this policy. It is simply not the right time to place greater demands on our community colleges,” Dalton stated in a press release.

No date has been set on when the policy would take effect. If the Rules Review Commission receives 10 objections to the policy, it would then go to the General Assembly for consideration, where it could get held up.

“This policy will never please everyone but this policy is as fair as we can make it for the most people,” Fountain said.