GRAND JUNCTION, Colo -- A state version of the Dream Act is being reintroduced in Colorado.

It aims to make college more affordable to illegal immigrants, who don't qualify for the less expensive in-state tuition.

Colorado Mesa University professor, Tim Acker says, "As a component of comprehensive immigration reform, it's a logical first step."

Acker has seen first hand how the proposed legislation would help undocumented students heading to college.

"It would bring the tuition down to a realistic level,” He said. “It would be directing students in meaningful, important careers development paths."

Both parties have defeated the bill in the past but now Democrats have tweaked it in hopes of gaining Republican support.

The new bill differs from last year because it includes an option for that allows university's to refuse to participate. Still some say the change is not enough.

Republican State Representative, Robert Ramirez says, "I have not seen the new bill, I just have heard what the changes are but they're so minimal that I don't think they'll make a difference."

Ramirez voted no on the tuition bill in 2011.

"After I voted on it, I had 200 emails from people who were immigrants to this country thanking me because they had gone through the process the correct way."

He says that even though his heritage is Hispanic, giving in-state tuition to undocumented immigrates is not the right choice for Colorado.

"The actual bill is giving a right of a citizen to a non citizen," Ramirez said.

Those opposed to the bill argue that state funds shouldn't be put towards tuition for illegal immigrants, but still over a dozen states have already passed similar legislation.