By Kelly Heyboer, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

TRENTON — More than 300 immigrants living in the country illegally are paying in-state tuition to attend New Jersey’s four-year colleges under the state’s new Tuition Equality law, according to a new report.

But most unauthorized immigrants can’t afford to take advantage of the new law because they are not eligible for financial aid, according to the study by New Jersey Policy Perspective, a think tank based in Trenton.

The group called on lawmakers Wednesday to pass legislation to offer taxpayer-funded state financial aid, grants and scholarships to students living in the country illegally.

“This is the other piece of the puzzle if we really want to help these students succeed and contribute to society,” said Assemblyman Gary Schaer (D-Passaic), chairman of the Assembly’s budget committee, who is sponsoring legislation to offer financial aid.

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