Washington House OKs college aid for immigrants

SEATTLE - The Washington House of Representatives on Wednesday approved a measure making young illegal immigrants eligible for state college financial aid.

The measure's bipartisan 77-20 vote was highlighted by impassioned speeches by Republicans who broke ranks with their party to vote in favor of the bill.

"People will seek this nation out from all over the world. They want a life of opportunity," said Republican Rep. Charles Ross of Naches. "These kids, I want them to someday go to Cornell, to be a state lawmaker or more."

House lawmakers amended the bill on the floor to open college aid to all young illegal immigrants. The bill has undergone several changes since it was introduced earlier this year.

The bill's previous version made only young immigrants who had qualified for the Obama Administration's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program eligible for the State Needs Grant. That federal program provides young immigrants who arrived in the United States as children a legal way to live in the country on renewable two-year stays if they meet certain age and non-criminal history criteria.

The bill now moves to the Senate, where a similar bill did not get a hearing. But advocates are optimistic.

"I think that this is a perfect bipartisan issue for a bipartisan-led Senate. And I think the chances are pretty good," said Emily Murphy of OneAmerica, an immigrant advocacy group.

Republican Sen. Barbara Bailey, chairwoman of the higher education committee, said she would try to set a hearing for the bill.

"It is worth a discussion," Bailey said.

Opponents said the measure promises financial aid in a time when the state doesn't have enough money for all students in need.