The Raleigh (N.C.) News & Observer reported Friday that the statement contradicts a letter issued this week by North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper, who advised the state Community College System that federal law prohibits the admission of illegal immigrants to public colleges and universities.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said it is "left for the school to decide whether or not to enroll" illegal immigrants, the newspaper reported.

"The Department of Homeland Security does not require any school to determine a student's status," the department said.