LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Governor Jerry Brown signed the California Dream Act into law today, greatly pleasing Los Angeles state Assemblyman Gil Cedillo, the bill’s sponsor.

The measure will pave the way for tuition aid for California youth without immigration documents.

“I want to express my gratitude to Gov. Brown, who has today given hope and opportunity to thousands of current and future students and their families,” Cedillo said.

The governor today signed into law AB 131, the second half of the two Dream Act bills first introduced by Cedillo in 2006. The first half, AB 130, was signed by the governor on July 25 and granted in-state tuition status to undocumented students.

The new law allows such students to apply for and receive financial aid at public universities and colleges.

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa issued the following statement in support of Brown’s signing the bill. “Today, California invests in the dreams of talented undocumented students and in the economic future of our state. I applaud Governor Brown for signing AB 131 into law and affirming the students’ role in creating a bright and prosperous future for California.”

He added, “With California facing a deficit of one million college graduates by 2025, this law makes the most sense for our economy and society.”

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