The system changed its policy in November to allow illegal immigrants to register for classes. But that policy changed Tuesday after a recommendation from the State Attorney General's Office.

“I consider the United States my home and North Carolina my home state,” said a high school senior who had plans to go to community college after graduation, but found out Tuesday he can't because he's an undocumented immigrant from Mexico. He did not want to be identified. “I feel personally bad because seeing that the state is in need of, for example, I want to be a nurse. They are getting nurses from like the Philippines and other countries,” he said.

Hispanic advocacy groups like El Pueblo say the move will eventually hurt North Carolina, and punishes smart students.

"Here we have a whole lot of young students who are willing and capable of doing the job and they're saying 'no I'm sorry, you're not the people we're looking for. We want somebody else. We don't want you.' Which is kind of discriminatory,” said Tony Asion, head of El Pueblo Inc.

"The state is not using the resources that it has,” said the student.

Community college officials say just a handful of their nearly 300,000 students are undocumented immigrants -- just 112 total.

“Our intent as community colleges is to stay within the law. To educate and train as many people who are eligible. That's our intent and that's our goal but to stay within the law. That's why we've looked to the attorney general,” said R. Scott Ralls, president of the N.C Community College System.

Earlier this month, the State Attorney General's Office told the system that the practice of admitting illegal immigrants violates federal law. Tuesday's announcement now returns the system to a policy it had in place from 2001 to 2006. The AG's office says it will now seek help from the department of homeland security on the admissions policy and how it relates to federal law.

Noelle Talley, spokeswoman for the AG’s office released this statement Tuesday.

“The policy was based on the federal law identified in our recent advisory letter. We are aware of no legal challenges to the 2001 policy that has been reinstated… At the Community College System's request, we are seeking guidance from the Department of Homeland Security on this admissions policy as it relates to federal law."

The student News 14 Carolina spoke with is hoping he will be given the opportunity for a better future.

“I just want to go to college like anyone else in the state, anyone of my age,” he said.

Gov. Mike Easley disagrees with the AG’s decision not to allow undocumented immigrants.

The AG’s letter did not restrict high school students taking community college classes, or adults taking continuing education courses.

Students already enrolled can finish their degrees.