Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) has signed a bill that will allow recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program to get state professional licenses.

Under the legislation, so-called Dreamers will now be allowed to get licenses for professions including cosmetology, nursing and real estate, The Associated Press reported.

Holcomb said in a Wednesday statement he backs "removing impediments in state law that keep Indiana's DACA recipients from skilling up and going to work."

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Holcomb previously served as the lieutenant governor under now-Vice President Pence.





In February, Holcomb announced his support for the legislation. At the time, he said Congress needs to "clarify federal immigration law regarding DACA," according to the IndyStar.

"But, until they act, Indiana state law should allow DACA recipients to skill up and work here in Indiana," he said in February. "While Indiana’s Professional Licensing Agency acted appropriately and in line with what our current laws require, I am encouraged to see there is legislative intent to fix this.”

Controversy over the issue in Indiana emerged after the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency added questions to its license applications regarding citizenship status.

President Trump Donald John TrumpBubba Wallace to be driver of Michael Jordan, Denny Hamlin NASCAR team Graham: GOP will confirm Trump's Supreme Court nominee before the election Southwest Airlines, unions call for six-month extension of government aid MORE's administration announced last year it was ending the Obama-era DACA program.

This past weekend, the White House and congressional Democrats failed to break a stalemate on immigration, with both sides rejecting competing proposals.

This week, Trump tweeted that Democrats "refused to take care of DACA."

"Would have been so easy, but they just didn't care. I had to fight for Military and start of the Wall," he tweeted.