Members of the Kansas House took a key vote Monday on a bill that would require illegal aliens to pay out-of-state tuition while attending Kansas universities and colleges.

The current law, passed in 2004, allows in-state tuition for those students who have attended a Kansas high school for at least three years, or have a GED, and are in the process of becoming an American citizen. Approximately 415 illegal immigrants attend Kansas schools for higher education

Supporters of the bill say the public has sent the legislature a clear message on where they stand on government help for those who came to the U.S. illegally.

“It also reflects that the people of Kansas are speaking very loudly and clearly, having been on the campaign trail myself in 2010, there’s no question where the people of Kansas stand,” said Secretary of State Kris Kobach. “They want to stop giving away public benefits to people illegally in the United States.”

But opponents of the bill say the law allows children, who were brought to the US by their parents, the opportunity to become contributing members of society as adults.

State Rep. Mario Goico, who was a political refugee from Cuba, says that (R) making college financially with in reach will benefit the individual and the community.

“So it is regardless of who they are, it is for them to get better education, be better workers, help the state of Kansas.”

The House supported the vote 69-49 on Monday and will take final action on the bill later this week.