In a statement that defied the legal advice of the state's attorney general, Gov. Mike Easley told community colleges Thursday that they can set their own admission standards, which currently welcome students regardless of their immigration status.

"The Community College board should continue its current policy, which is consistent with other states," Easley's statement said.

The Attorney General's Office released a letter Wednesday advising the colleges that federal law prohibits illegal immigrants from attending public colleges and universities. The advice, if followed, would reverse admissions policies at the state's 58 community colleges and 16 public universities, all of which admit illegal immigrants at out-of-state tuition rates.

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