Reinoso said many families have applied for citizenship, but it often takes anywhere from five to 10 years to get approval.

Sen. Dan Debicella, R-Shelton, successfully ran out the clock when the bill came up for debate in the legislature's Higher Education Committee, killing the proposal. But the legislation was resurrected later in the session.

The freshman senator said his heart goes out to the families trying to educate their children, but he believes it would be unfair to legal immigrants and middle class residents if in-state tuition rates were granted to undocumented students.

"The answer is to reform the federal laws to make it easier for hardworking committed immigrants to earn legal residency," Debicella said.

Rep. Sean Williams, R-Watertown, praised Rell for taking a risk with her veto.

"Governor Rell showed great political courage when she vetoed a bill that has garnered editorial support from several Connecticut newspapers that will be denouncing her decision over the next few days," he said. "Governor Rell did not take the politically correct action today, but she did the right thing and I commend her for it."

A 1996 federal law sought to prevent states from granting in-state tuition benefits to unauthorized immigrant students. Since then, 10 states have passed legislation to allow students who have lived in their states for a long time to be eligible for the tuition break if they meet certain requirements, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The states include California, Illinois, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah and Washington.

Reinoso said he's not giving up and plans to reintroduce the bill next year.

"It is in my heart, that bill," he said. "You cannot ignore kids. They're not invisible. This is the reality in our country and our state now."

- Associated Press