But in the wake of these claims, university professionals cast doubt Romney’s claims of severe ramifications. They said the effects likely would be small on tuition.

David Thronson, a College of Law professor who specializes in immigration law, said a similar act in Michigan likely wouldn’t result in a flood of students taking advantage of the in-state tuition rate, as they still would be subject to the same admissions standards as regular students, and likely would have to graduate from a Michigan high school.

“It’s not as if there would be a flood in one instance,” Thronson said. “The numbers we’re talking about would also be relatively small.”

It also remains unclear whether the debate will visit Lansing any time soon.

According to the Migration Policy Institute, Michigan has a low illegal immigrant populations compared to other states at 6.2 percent — 27 out of all 50 states. The issue has taken hold in other parts of the country, such as California, where the legislature recently passed an act that would make undocumented immigrant students eligible for state financial aid.

Ronald Hall, a professor in the College of Social Science who specializes in racial issues, said the act’s controversy is spreading and ultimately will remain up to Congress.

“This (undocumented immigrant) population has pretty much been neglected,” Hall said. “Now it has just grown into a larger, more complicated problem.”

But in the short term, political tides indicate the issue likely won’t be brought up in the state Legislature, said Ruben Martinez, director of MSU’s Julian Samora Research Institute.

Still, Jack Edukere, former co-chairman of Culturas de las Razas Unidas, an MSU group who advocates for academic advancement in the Latino community, hopes the discussion will come soon.

“It will improve involvement in the higher education system,” Edukere said.