Undocumented immigrants can now apply for state-funded scholarships and aid at state universities in California. Gov. Jerry Brown signed the second half of a legislative package known as the California DREAM Act, following his approval earlier of private scholarships and school loans for such students.
Students who graduate from a California high school and can prove they are on the path to legalize their immigration status can also pay resident tuition rates in the state. The bill also allows those students to apply for state aid.
The law requires that undocumented students meet the same requirements as other students applying for financial aid at state universities but specifies that they only qualify for financial aid after all other legal residents have applied.
Twelve other states, including New York and Texas, have passed similar legislation for in-state tuition. The bills are different from the federal DREAM Act, which would include a path to citizenship for the children of illegal immigrants.
