(Image source: The LA Times)

BY STEVEN SPARKMAN

Big news in immigration coming out of California. The largest bill to expand the rights of undocumented students was signed into law. Fox News has the details.

“California governor Jerry Brown passing the final part of the so-called Dream Act yesterday. The controversial law allows illegal immigrants to receive state-funded financial aid to help pay for college. Another part of the act, which allows private scholarships, was passed back in July.”

Supporters of the bill say it gives opportunities to people whose ‘undocumented’ status comes from being brought into the country as children, through no fault of their own. The Wall Street Journal quotes Governor Brown as saying:

"The Dream Act benefits us all by giving top students a chance to improve their lives and the lives of all of us...”

The bill was widely opposed by Republican legislators in the state, who claim the law encourages illegal immigration. Others say it’s not fair to legal students. The LA Times has the criticism from one GOP opponent.

“Assemblyman Cameron Smyth ... is among those who are not persuaded by assurances of minimal to no impact on legal students. He noted that there are as many as 40,000 illegal immigrants who might apply for financial aid from funds that are limited and that are not being increased by the legislation.”

But that particular criticism might be unfounded. For undocumented students to benefit from the law, they must show financial need and meet high academic standards. And even then, as KNBC reports, they’re only eligible for leftovers.

“The California Department of Finance estimates it will cost the state $14.5 million. … Now, the bill states that illegal immigrants can only apply for aid after all legal residents have applied.”

That $14.5 million amounts to roughly 1% of the Cal Grant program. Republican legislators have announced plans for a ballot measure to overturn the law. The law does not offer a path to citizenship.