The panel that oversees operations of North Carolina's community colleges hears from the public about plans to admit illegal immigrants if they pay the full cost.

A public hearing Friday in Raleigh is part of the process the State Board of Community Colleges must follow to change the admissions rules.

The community colleges board in September approved a policy to enroll undocumented immigrants if they pay out-of-state tuition rates and have graduated from an American high school. They also can't displace students who are in the U.S. legally.

The new rule would take effect in April if it makes it through the approval process.