A group of Los Angeles college students plans to take their fight for immigration rights to the states and the 2012 election after Senate Republicans blocked legislation that would have given thousands of young illegal immigrants a path to legal status.

But it won't be easy.

Immigration experts say Saturday's vote to nix the proposal dealt a harsh blow to activists who will have an even steeper uphill battle in the next Congress.

Illegal immigrant students say they will push for access to financial aid and drivers' licenses in states like California.

Critics of the bill called it a backdoor grant of amnesty.