A state Senate committee analysis estimated the bill will cost the state about $40 million. Calif. passing its own 'Dream Act'

While Congress and the Obama administration dither on comprehensive immigration reform, California is pushing through its own “Dream Act” to allow illegal immigrants to obtain state-funded financial aid for college.

The California state Senate passed the measure Wednesday on a 22-11 party-line vote, with Democrats in support and Republicans opposed, the Los Angeles Times reported. The Democratic-controlled state Assembly is expected to approve it in the next week.The bill then heads to Gov. Jerry Brown (D) for his expected signature.


Under the measure, undocumented and out-of-state students who attended high school in California for three or more years are eligible to apply for state-funded financial aid for college. Illegal immigrant students would essentially receive the leftovers of state-funded grants and scholarships, with legal residents getting first dibs on financial aid before money goes to qualified undocumented students.

A state Senate committee analysis estimated the bill will cost the state about $40 million, or about one percent of its $3.5 billion budget for campus financial aid. It will go into effect in 2013.

Last year, a federal Dream Act — that would have created a pathway for citizenship for illegal immigrants who attended college or served in the military, which California’s legislation does not provide for — failed in the Senate. Proponents are hopeful that if California’s Dream Act passes, it could spark a new effort for federal reform.

Brown signed the first half of the legislation into law last month, approving privately funded college financial aid for illegal immigrants.

Former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed legislation to provide state financial aid for undocumented students three times in his tenure.