BOSTON -- Setting the stage for a new fight over the rights of illegal immigrants in Massachusetts, the state Board of Higher Education looked at whether illegal immigrant students should be entitled to in-state tuition rates if they go to a state university.

NewsCenter 5's Amalia Barreda reported that the Massachusetts Taxpayers Association said between 400 and 600 illegal immigrants would go on to higher learning if the Legislature approved a bill making them eligible for in-state tuition at state schools.

The issue was on the agenda at Thursday morning's meeting of the Board of Higher Education, which has supported the idea in the past. There was little discussion and no debate. The board chairman explained that the intent was to clarify misunderstandings about the proposed legislation.

"They don't take away from financial aid. They don't take anybody's space. They don't cost the state any extra money," Chairman Aaron Spencer said.

Gov. Deval Patrick supports the idea, which remains highly charged. Opponents weighing in on TheBostonChannel.com said, "call them what they are, illegal! They do not deserve in state tuition." And, "Of course not! What part of illegal doesn't Deval Patrick understand?"

Republican Rep. Jeffrey Perry said in-state tuition does not cover the entire cost of educating a student.

"It's pretty black and white to me. If you're here illegally, if you don't have a valid resident status here in Massachusetts, I don't believe the taxpayers should be subsidizing your education," Perry said.

"They need to have an education. Otherwise how will they support themselves? How would they support their family?" asked Denise Bruno Matthews of Bunker Hill Community College.

"I've really seen a lot of support amongst those student leaders out there for providing in state tuition for illegal immigrants. I mean, we're all part of the same society over here," said Jake Oliveira, who is a board student representative.

Even though the board's view on the issue doesn't decide anything, Spencer said he does hope it carries some weight for the Legislature to consider when it makes its decision.