A Washington measure that would open college financial aid to young immigrants who have no legal status in the country has cleared a legislative hurdle.

The measure, dubbed the Washington Dream Act, was approved by the House Appropriations committee on Friday, paving the way for a floor vote.

The bill makes young immigrants who have qualified for the Obama Administration's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program eligible for the State Needs Grant. The 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.

Democrats and Republicans are supporting the measure in the House.