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Jerry Brown Signs Bill Letting Illegal Students Get Aid

SACRAMENTO (AP) — Gov. Jerry Brown has signed a bill allowing illegal immigrant students applying to state universities to receive state-funded scholarships and financial aid.

AB131 by Democratic Assemblyman Gil Cedillo of Los Angeles is the second half of the California Dream Act. Brown, a Democrat, signed the first part in July, which approved private scholarships and loans for illegal immigrant students.

The bill requires the immigrant students to meet the same requirements as others but specifies they would only qualify for financial aid after all the other legal residents have applied

Brown says the bill gives top students a chance to expand their educational opportunities.

The package is different from the federal Dream Act, which includes a path to citizenship for the children of illegal immigrants.

Brown's office announced the signings Saturday.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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