Undocumented and some transgender students can now access state college aid, now that a loophole preventing them from doing so has closed, The Chicago Sun-Times reported.

The new statute—called the Retention of Illinois Students and Equity Act—providing a state mechanism for undocumented and transgender students to apply for Illinois financial aid took effect Jan. 1; however, the program did not actually start until Jan. 6.

Many Illinois students apply for aid using the U.S. Education Department administered program, which allows them to simultaneously apply for both state and federal aid. However, there was no sole application for state aid—meaning those who did not qualify federally could not apply for state-related assistance.

Gov. JB Pritzker signed the measure last June after it passed the General Assembly.

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