A Republican-led House panel rejected legislation that would allow illegal immigrants to attend Colorado colleges at the lower in-state tuition rate.

Republicans who voted against the bill Monday said it would entice more illegal immigrants to come to the U.S. and provide false security to students who would not be able to legally work after graduation.

Democrats argued that allowing more students to attend college would boost the state's economy and that the children of illegal immigrants should not be punished for their parents' mistakes.