PASSAGE WOULD REMOVE BARRIERS TO SUCCESS FOR THOUSANDS OF STUDENTS
Earlier this week, Democratic Majority Leader Reid (D-NV) signaled plans to attach the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act (H.R. 1751/ S. 729) to the defense appropriations bill under consideration by the Senate. This bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senators Durbin (D-IL) and Lugar (R-IN) would provide undocumented students brought to the United States (as children) with the opportunity to earn permanent legal status if they came to the U.S. when they were very young, lived here for at least five years, stayed out of trouble, earned a high school diploma or GED, and completed at least two years of college or military service.
The DREAM Act specifically gives states the authority to determine whether or not to provide in-state tuition to undocumented students residing in their state. It does not mandate states to provide in-state tuition to undocumented students, but would allow states to determine whether or not immigration status should be a factor for in-state tuition eligibility purposes.
The defense appropriations measure that the DREAM Act will likely be attached to could make it to the Senate floor by early next week.
Please call your senators NOW at 1-866-277-7617. Ask for your senator’s specific office.
Here is what your Senator needs to hear from you:
- Education has always been the equalizer for all immigrants who have come to the United States.
- We, as a nation, need to provide educational opportunities for young people in science, technology, engineering and math so that we as a nation can meet the areas of greatest need within our workforce. The goal is for all young people to be able to contribute to the nation’s future prosperity by strengthening the global competitiveness of our workforce.
- Passing the DREAM Act would remove the barriers to education and work that block these students from achieving economic success.
Learn more about the DREAM Act:
Check and see if your senators are co-sponsors on the bill.
Read Young Lives on Hold, a report by Roberto G. Gonzales, Assistant Professor, University of Washington, published by College Board Advocacy & Policy Center.
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