HOUSTON -- Going to Berklee College of Music doesn't guarantee you'll be a superstar, but the list of famous musicians who have graduated from the school in Boston is quite impressive.

And it's a reason a bright student from Cy Ridge High School wants to go there.

But Cy Ridge student journalist Stephanie Madrid says her classmate's hope of attending Berklee are slim to none.

Even though he's tried out, accepted and in the top 10 percent of his class, he can’t attend.

The problem? This senior, who will graduate in just a few weeks, is living in this country illegally.

He came here with his parents from Mexico when he was just 6-months-old.

The immigration debate is hotter than ever. And across the nation, many believe those that came here illegally should not be given the same opportunities as citizens of the U.S., including pursuing higher education.

David Milton is Vice President of Admission at Houston's University of St Thomas.

“Whether they are undocumented students or citizens, I believe in education and the opportunities it provides,” said Milton.

Texas is one of only 10 states that allow illegal immigrants to attend higher education and at in-state tuition costs.

But in Boston?

The student, who doesn't want to be identified, says his parents have been trying since he was a child to gain citizenship.

“Yeah eight-to-10 years that my parents have tried to obtain a pardon from this country.”

And 11 News has learned that his story is not unique. In fact, at Cy Ridge some officials believe 40-percent of the entire student body is undocumented.

No matter how the illegal immigrant situation unfolds here in America, whatever is decided will happen too late for this musician.