Digital News Report – Governor Jerry Brown signed the Dream Act Friday which allows undocumented students the ability to receive both private and public financial aid.
The governor signed the first part of the Dream Act on July 25th 2011. AB 130 changed California law to allow students of illegal immigrants to apply for private grants and private student loans.
The second part to this law, AB 131, was signed on Friday, October 8th. This part of the Dream act allows undocumented students to apply for public funding options for their higher education.
Opponents to the legislation say the Dream Act will take money away from U.S. citizens. California Student Aid Commission spokesman Tom Mays said there is money available after all of the college grants have been distributed.
“Going to college is a dream that promises intellectual excitement and creative thinking,” Governor Brown said. “The Dream Act benefits us all by giving top students a chance to improve their lives and the lives of all of us”.
Democrats have been trying to get this legislation signed for years. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed similar legislation several times. Texas and New Mexico are the only other states that have a similar provision.
By: Greg Cook
Local Reporter