The Alabama Board of Education says that in Spring of 2009, students must show proof of citizenship in order to be admitted into a 2 year college.

According to Dothan Latino advocate Rich Lopez that could eventually take away from the state's economy.

"We are not developing the people we have here with the capacity here to fill jobs we are setting them up and the day will come I am sure when they will be needed here and its not going to be available." Says Rich Lopez of Rich Co Consulting Service.

Some Americans are worried the government is paying for the tuition of illegal aliens, but Pell grants can only go to documented citizens.

"They pay all tuition. We do not get any stipends; we do not get any scholarship so that is a myth that we are creating an additional expense." Says Lopez

A common misconception is that illegal immigrants cannot get jobs after they get an education. Turns out they can, but it is a lengthy process.

"There is a path for these kids to get into the main stream and get an education and a job," says Lopez.

"We've done several of those visas, they are more complicated in getting, but we have shortages of doctors here and as you know in this community, we have doctors from other countries," says Stephen McGowan, Attorney at Law.

Currently, there is no federal law that requires anyone to prove citizenship in order to get into a 4 year college.

Some say in order to prevent problems something has to be done for the future.

"The fact of the matter is, we are trying to put toothpaste back in the tube, and that is not going to happen. We have 20 million people here and if they think we can bus them back all at one time that is not going to happen," says McGowan

Advocates say for now, all illegal immigrants in Alabama can do is focus on studying and saving money for 4 year schools.

They are hoping this November’s presidential election will change the policy nationwide.