Members of the State Board of Education have passed a policy that will keep illegal immigrants from being admitted to Alabama's 2 year colleges.

The policy will require all applicants to prove their US Citizenship or that they are in the country legally.

It will take effect during preregistration for the Spring 2009 session.

Students who are admitted before then will not be affected.

2 year Chancellor Bradley Byrne said recommendation comes while the system is reviewing all of its policies and he doesn't believe enrollment of illegal immigrants is a big problem among the colleges.

The policy was passed on a 4 to 0 vote, with one member abstaining. Three others and governor riley were absent for the vote.