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Illegal immigrants who reside in Maine are now eligible for in-state tuition at every school in the University of Maine System.

According told The Bangor Daily News, the policy may encourage some illegal immigrants to register for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program despite a federal crackdown on illegal immigration.

[RELATED: DePaul hikes student fees to fund scholarships for illegals]

The difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition in Maine is substantialthe publication notes that the gap amounts to approximately $12,000 per year.

University of Maine System spokesman Dan Demeritt told the Daily News that although the official policies do not directly address DACA students, immigrants are subject to the same state residency criteria that applies to U.S. citizens for purposes of awarding in-state tuition.

The admissions process does not ask for the immigration status of applicants other than information needed to calculate the students eligibility for federal financial aid, but Demeritt did confirm that in-state tuition will be available to Maine residents who have received temporary protection under DACA.

According to the report, 429 illegal immigrants in Maine received partial documentation through DACA since 2013, though only 13 students in the University of Maine System chose to report that status last year.

[RELATED: UC system pledges $25 million for illegal immigrant scholarships]

Other universities around the country have also considered granting illegal immigrants benefits associated with their education.

In late May, undocumented students at Columbia University demanded that the institution provide them with subsidized healthcare, housing, and sensitivity training for professors and staff.

Other activist groups on college campuses have rigorously opposed President Trumps immigration policy, urging their schools to adopt sanctuary status for illegal immigrants.

Follow the author of this article on Twitter: @nikvofficial

Nikita Vladimirov is an Investigative Reporter for Campus Reform. Prior to joining Campus Reform, he wrote for The Hill, where he extensively covered the latest political developments in U.S. and around the world. Vladimirov's work has appeared on the front pages of The Drudge Report and The Hill, and has been featured by several media organizations including Fox News, MSN, Real Clear Politics and others. He has also appeared as a political commentator on numerous programs, including BBC radio.

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Maine offers in-state tuition to illegal immigrants statewide - Campus Reform