(RALEIGH) -- Opponents of a proposal to block illegal immigrants from attending community college held a vigil outside the Legislative Building in Raleigh. Similar vigils were also held in Asheville, Charlotte, Greensboro and Greenville.

The Adelante Education Coalition is calling on state lawmakers to reject any initiative that would block access to higher education. Rev. Ricardo Correa said undocumented students want the opportunity to give back to this country. "When you have people that are eager to have that knowledge, to have that power and give it back to this country, then really it's a matter of what can I do to be a tool of a blessing for these young folks that want to give back to this country," said Correa.

Bill sponsor Rep. George Cleveland said taxpayers should not front the bill for illegal immigrants.  "I've seen the community college bit where says they're making $1,500 to $1,600 or so on a student, well, nobody has taken into consideration the capital costs that the state has in these endeavors," said Cleveland.

Last year, the state community colleges board voted to accept illegal immigrants if they graduated from a U.S. high school, pay out-of-state tuition and do not displace a citizen.