(Missourinet) – Governor Jay Nixon (D) is asking the Legislature to uphold his veto of a bill that would revoke A+ scholarships from students because of their federal immigration status. Nixon says it’s unfair to those students who have worked hard for the scholarships.

“I think it’s a mistake in policy to say to a student that while you’re in high school if you do all these hard things we’re gonna give you a scholarship and come back later on and take it away from them. It’s just a matter of fairness,” says Nixon.

Nixon says the state shouldn’t base Missouri students on their federal immigration status. The budget bill also included a provision to require public colleges and universities to charge those students their international tuition rate. The scholarship grants students two years tuition at any community college or technical school in Missouri.

The Legislature could try and override the Governor’s action during September’s veto session.