80 new laws are rolling off of Governor Ralph Northam's desk. One allows illegal immigrants to be eligible for in-state tuition and to apply for financial assistance.

Democratic state Delegate Alfonso Lopez sponsored the bill.

"For me, the issues of Dreamers and DACA eligible students have been incredibly important for almost my entire life," Lopez said. "My father was undocumented and came here when he was 18 from Venezuela with a dream of a better life."

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To qualify, students have to attend a Virginia high school for two years. They also have to submit evidence that at least one parent or guardian paid taxes for at least two years.

Lopez said it comes down to fundamental fairness.

"You can't put a stop sign up to thousands of amazing students who don't have an avenue to move forward," Lopez said. "They were brought here through no fault of their own by parents who were trying to get their kids a better life."

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However, Republican State Senators Mark Peake and Steve Newman said this new law sends the wrong message to people who are not here legally.

"It's a slap in the face to people who have immigrated legally. Who has gone through the proper steps? It's taking away money from people who are here legally," Peake said. "There's a set amount in the budget for financial aid unless the governor is going to come up with more money. But that is still taxpayer money to cover people who are here illegally."

"The bill does allow if someone has paid tax for two years to get in," Newman said. "The problem is we have a lot of military families that we don't extend this right to."

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"18 States have passed legislation along these lines. Including Utah and Texas who are not known for being blue states. These are deep-red states," Lopez said. "I disagree wholeheartedly with the arguments put out by my Republican colleagues."