A Nebraska law allowing some illegal immigrants to pay in-state college tuition, may soon see its final chapter.

Senator Charlie Janssen of Fremont introduced LB-1001, a bill that would stop undocumented students from receiving the same in-state tuition benefit as their legal peers.

Supporters say the current law not only benefits students, but our future as well.

Forty-three is the number of illegal immigrant students currently being allowed to pay in-state tuition at Nebraska colleges.

According to Senator Janssen, that is something that needs to change.

"I'm hopeful the votes are there on the floor to get this off of Nebraska's books, and put us once again, so we're not violating federal law," said Sen. Janssen.

Four years ago, the so-called Dream Act of 2006 was passed by the 99th Legislature, after Governor Dave Heineman vetoed the bill.

Today, he is still adamant that passage was wrong.

"If you're here illegally, and we want all the legal immigration we can, then, you're entitled to all the state and local benefits you should receive as a citizen of this country. But, if you're here illegally, you're not entitles to those benefits," said Gov. Heineman.

This is not the first time the current legislature has heard this issue.

Senator Janssen introduced it as an amendment last year, but withdrew it, promising to make it a priority bill in 2010.

"I'm glad they're bringing it up. I've said all along that illegal individuals in this country should not be receiving in-state tuition. It's particularly frustrating for me," said Gov. Heineman.

Darcy Tromanhauser, Director of Nebraska Appleseed's Immigrant Program, says the 43 students are an asset to nebraska's future.

"These are kids that have grown up in Nebraska. They've gone to Nebraska high schools, they've been on the football team, the debate team, and they can be our future doctors, and teachers, and engineers, so we all benefit from continuing their education," said Tromanhauser.

Education they pay for at an in-state rate, without financial aid or scholarships.

Although it may have not been the decisions of the students to move to Nebraska, Senator Janssen says legally, a change has to be made.

"A lot of people will try to blur this subject. They try to make it about something that it really is not about. In many cases, you'll hear about it being about the innocent victims, it's the children. I keep telling people it's not about the kids in this situation, it's about sending a message that illegal is illegal, and there's no other way to pan it," said Sen. Janssen.

Senator Janssen had 14 co-sponsors of the bill, which has been sent to the education committee, instead of the judiciary committee like years past.

The first hearing is set for Monday, February 1.

To see a copy of the bill, and to hear extended interviews, click the links below.