The bill would allow undocumented students who qualify for in-state tuition to apply for Cal Grants and other state aid. It's already passed the Assembly and has now been approved by a Senate committee. Maria Luna is an undocumented student who attended Sacramento State and is now hoping to attend law school. She urged legislators to support the change:
Luna: "Our status is not permanent - my status is not permanent. Opponents are not permanent, but education is. That's something that I believe in and I ask that you believe in our potential as undocumented youth."
The bill is part of a package known as the "California Dream
Act." A companion measure makes the same students eligible for
private aid. Opponents argue the funding doesn't make sense, since
the students can't be legally hired after graduation.