California Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill Monday that allows college students who entered the United States illegally to receive limited financial aid, the Associated Press reports.
AB 130, also known as the California Dream Act, is the first of a series of two bills. The second part would allow undocumented students eligible for public scholarships – this second half is being held in the Senate Appropriations Committee, Pasadena Star-News reports. Brown is also expected to sign the second piece of legislation, according to The Sacramento Bee.
The piece of legislation Brown signed today passed through the state Senate less than two weeks ago. It grants those who currently qualify for in-state tuition further eligibility for private scholarships funded by nonstate sponsors.
California joins several other states across the country that offer tuition breaks to illegal immigrants, including New York, New Mexico, Texas and Maryland.
Most recently, Connecticut passed legislation that would permit illegal immigrants to apply for in-state tuition at the state’s public universities.
AB 130, unlike the federal DREAM Act proposal, does not create a pathway for illegal immigrant students to become U.S. citizens.