By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – The Missouri House voted on Wednesday to ban illegal immigrants from the state's colleges and universities.
The final vote was 122-35. The bill would also require institutions to guarantee to lawmakers that they have not knowingly admitted anyone who's in the country illegally.
Supporters say by allowing schools to educate illegal aliens, the state is essentially paying people who break the law. But critics say the ban would punish students who entered the country illegally as children.
Earlier, the House rejected an amendment proposed by Republican Tim Flook, of Liberty. He wanted to let students who meet Missouri residency requirements receive in-state tuition while applying for permanent residency.