That's for the state of Oregon to decide. My best guess would be yes, but the state of Oregon has the only vote that counts.

HE SHOULD ALWAYS APPLY, NO MATTER WHAT. I don't know why so many people think they shouldn't bother applying unless they get carved-in-stone confirmation that they're going to be eligible. The worst the state can say is no, and in that case you're no worse off than if you never applied in the first place.