Undocumented students in Washington state can now receive college financial aid, Reuters reported.
Democratic Governor Jay Inslee signed a measure on Wednesday that offers academic financial assistance to students brought into the country illegally as children, making Washington the fifth U.S. state to do so, Reuters reported.
Inslee hailed the measure as a major victory for "thousands of bright, talented and very hard working students across the state of Washington." California, Illinois, Texas and New Mexico have passed similar measures.
"I've had some good days as governor of the state of Washington, but this may be the best," Inslee is quoted as saying by Reuters.
The bill requires students to have received a high school diploma or equivalent in Washington state and to have lived in the state for at least three years before getting college financial aid.
However, undocumented students in the country still face an uncertain future after graduation.
The passage of the legislation marks a victory for immigrant-rights advocates, Reuters reported.
Supporters of the legislation have dubbed it the DREAM Act of Washington state.
"Whatever you call it, what's important is what it will do for thousands of bright and talented and very hard working students across the state of Washington," Inslee said at the bill signing ceremony. "Today we're allowing dreams to come true."
The measure was the first bill to be signed into law in the 2014 legislative session.
