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Immigrant Tuition Bill Will Go To Christie 'As Is'

TRENTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- The New Jersey Legislature doesn't plan to amend an immigrant tuition bill to reflect Gov. Chris Christie's suggested changes.

Christie on Monday said he would not sign the bill that passed the Senate because its benefits are too generous.

"They're overreaching and making it unsignable and making the benefits richer than the federal program, the federal Dream Act," he said. "That's simply not acceptable for me."

The bill allows students in the country illegally who graduate from a New Jersey high school to pay cheaper in-state tuition at state colleges, and to receive financial aid.

The Hispanic community cheered when Christie showed support for the Dream Act-style legislation while campaigning for re-election.

The bill would allow students in the country illegally at private high schools to also qualify for in-state tuition.

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