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The Dream Act
Cecilia: An estimated 65,000 students, born elsewhere but raised in the U.S., graduate from high school every year. For most, this is the only country they really know. These students, through no fault of their own, are living in the U.S. without legal status. Once they finish high school, they face barriers to higher education; they can’t legally hold a job; and they live with the ever-present fear of immigration authorities. The Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act (S.2075) seeks to remedy this situation for many very deserving students. The DREAM Act would establish a path to permanent residence status for undocumented students who meet certain criteria. Given today’s anti-immigrant climate, what chances does this legislation have? That’s what we’re discussing in today’s TalkTime Live! Mayra Bencomo, Kansas City, Kansas: What do I have to do to participate in the DREAM Act and how do I get started? Maricela: There are many for you to support the DREAM Act. You could help by:
There is actually an organization in Kansas City, KS that does a lot of work to support the DREAM Act. The organization is called El Centro. I would encourage you to contact El Centro to learn of ways to support the bill locally. El Centro’s number is 913-677-0100. Melissa: The DREAM Act has not yet passed Congress and become law, so there is no program in which one can participate. However, if passed, students who meet the following criteria would be eligible:
If a student meets this criteria and then graduates from high school or obtains a GED, he/she would have conditional legal permanent resident status, which safeguards the individual from deportation and allows the student to travel and work legally. The conditional status would be lifted and be made permanent (essentially the student would get a green card) after 6 years of graduation from high school if he/she has also pursued two years of college or two years of military service. For more information, there is a summary of the DREAM Act and its criteria on NCLR's website: www.nclr.org/dream. Maureen Moloughney, Guidance Counselor, NY: I work with some students who worry that by identifying themselves as undocumented they will endanger themselves and their families. Did you worry? And, what was your experience? Alexa: I did worry. I am not the only one in my family who is undocumented. But, as I began working trying to advocate for the DREAM Act to pass, I realized that we needed to put the human side to it and people needed to see that I am not different than an american citizen student. It is a risk you take but it is a matter of knowing who you can talk to and get advice from people who work at organizations and know the media. In all interviews I always only used my first name and only mentioned the borough or city I live in. You dont need to give the name of your school to media- your story is real and it will touch people. And in terms of applying for internships or college, many have already dealt with undocumented students and are understanding of the situation. I was contacted by the media numerous times and they were very understanding of the situation. Yes, you should be aware of who you talk to, but you also need to understand that it is going to affect you and you will need to identify yourself as undocumented in certain cases (i.e. college applications). John Raleigh, NC: Is the DREAM Act not an amnesty and why should we give an amnesty to people who have technically broken the law? People who qualify for the DREAM Act are deportable illegal aliens. Why should they have an advantage over the thousands of people overseas who are awaiting student visas? Melissa: Students affected by the DREAM Act are in this position through no act of their own. They came here as young children, and most Americans believe that it would not be fair to punish these children for something that they are not repsonsible for. In addition, we are only punishing our communities by leaving these children behind and throwing away the investment that we've already made in their K-12 education. Susan Vega Pasco, WA: I am currently working with two seniors with a 3.9 GPA who are not permanent residents or citizens and who have lived most of their lives here. They have applied to the local community college and would qualify for financial aid and scholarships. They are counting on the Dream Act passing soon. Do we have a time line on when it will go to our legislators? Melissa: The Senate is currently debating immigration reform, and we hope that this will be included in that larger debate. The Senate's goal is to vote on an immigration bill by the end of the month. So, this is an opportunity if Congress chooses to approach the issue of immigration in a comprehensive way. Ruddy Rivera, Miami: What are we going to do, I am in the same situation. I'm 21 and I been here for almost 2 decades. WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO!??? The U.S. is all I know, and time is against us. We are not getting any younger here. Melissa: Keep fighting for what we believe in is what we're going to do. There are opportunities for Congress and the President to pass the DREAM Act, but it is our responsibility to make sure that they continue to hear the widespread support for the DREAM Act. So, keep up the calls to Congress, keep up those letters, and get your friends to do the same thing! John, Chicago IL: We all understand that the DREAM Act provides a way for immigrants to get education and move on from the barriers that hold them back in the society they're in right now. I still do not understand why there is a big debate. Why would people even bother to oppose something that's going to happen anyway? The immigrants are already here and will not be taken out by the government by force. Some deal has to be reached in order to make this a quick (quicker) and more efficient process. My question is, If the U.S. government is really concerned about its security why haven't they done anything to work out a way to give some citizenships or temporary resident status to the millions of illegal immigrants? If they're really as concerned as they make themselves out to be, my thought would be that some plan would've been generated about a year after the 9/11 events. Yet, we still don't know what the U.S. government intends to do. We still don't know IF they're going to do anything. We still don't have a way of tracking immigrants that provides the security and the U.S. desires so much. Their greatest idea so far, according to the House, is HR4437 which suggests that the U.S. should be like Germany and Poland back in the WWII times when they weren't allowed to house in any Jews, Jews were being sought out and were going to be put in jail (to be exterminated later on of course), and then on top of that no one was allowed to help Jews in any way possible or they would be executed. The U.S. government can't go around killing people of course, and that is not what I'm suggesting. The only difference that I really see in this new "solution" is that it is not Jews anymore, now it is immigrants. Is this really what the U.S. intends to do, given that HR4437 was already passed by the House of Representatives? Do they really intend to go door by door and eliminate all immigrants? Do they really intend to make this nation, which was started by immigration, which grew because of immigration and continues to be powerful because of the talent of immigrants? Does this make sense in any way whatsoever to any everyday citizen? If not, then why does it make sense to all the senators and all the Representatives? Why are there still no results since 9/11 which as we all know is what started this whole immigrant discussion once again? Why do the most powerful and most talented citizens in this country (Senators and Representatives) still have no clue whether what they're doing is right or not? Melissa: I realize that this is more than just one question but I strongly believe that these are all the KEY questions that haven't been asked and haven't been answered and there is still no sign whatsoever and that they will ever be addressed. I think these are important comments and concerns, and I share your frustration. I think that these are exactly the kind of questions that we need to be asking of Congress, and we can't let up -- we have to make sure that we keep the pressure up. We're at a critical point now that Congress is debating immigration reform, so I really encourage you and others to make sure that the individuals representing you in Congress are aware of your concerns. Analia Garcia/Crown Point, IN: What are the three main barriers that youth immigrants who are illegal are facing today? Alexa: I would say that they are 1) access to higher education, which involves having to pay out-of-state tuition and not receiving financial aid and at times even being faced with the fact that a college does not accept undocumented students. 2) getting a job- without a social security number and proper documentation, a youth cannot obtain a legal job and is many times faced with having to work "off-the-books" and they are at times exploited in these jobs and get paid less than mimum wage and the 3) the fear of going places, even within the states, taking flight for fear of deportation, if one needs police help because of abuse or otehr reasons, the fear of lookin for it for fear that one wil be identified as illegal and deported. Ann Williams: Is there any possibility of this bill becoming law this year? I see on the Internet where an attorney can help students and children file for immigration using this act. Melissa: There are opportunities for Congress to make the DREAM Act a law this year. With respect to the attorney you're mentioning, I would be careful of contacting this attorney or any attorney that says that they can help you file for the DREAM Act now. Since it is not yet a law, it is not possible to file for an adjustment of status using the DREAM Act. Sam Grabelle - Providence, RI: I mentor students at a network of high schools that has a high percentage of undocumented students who are very successful in school until senior year when they become hopeless about their futures. For example, I sat with a young man who got here right before 9th grade knowing no English who is now a senior who speaks it fluently and is a star soccer player. He has been scouted by colleges, but he feels like even if he gets in it will be a waste of time since he will spend 4 years studying in order to graduate and only be able to work menial labor jobs under the table. He cried to me as he told me that he doesn't want to break the law, but he doesn't know what else to do. Many students turn to selling drugs at that point because they can't see any other way to make a living. I feel their pain so strongly and I have sunk into hopelessness myself. What can I do to give them hope??? We are losing such amazing kids to the streets and worse because they have no other options. Please help me help them. Maricela: There are too many bright and talented students that are in similar positions to that of your students. This is why the DREAM Act and immigration reform that would pave a path to citizenship for undocumented students is so needed. If you would like to help I would encourage you to support the DREAM Act by:
There is actually an organization that is based in Massachussetts that does a lot of work on the issue and is doing some outreach into Rhode Island. I would encourage you to contact Michele Rudy at the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition. She can be reached at 617-350-5480 All the best! Ginette, Oakland California: I'm an immigrant who was brought to California when I was seven years old and I will be graduating from San Francisco State University with a Psychology Major. Even though I will be attending Grad School in Fall 2006, I am concern about my future as a professional without legal citizenship. I would like to help to make this DREAM happen, please let me know what I can do. Thank you very much. Alexa: There are so many people I know in your same situation. Those who are able to attend college, but then cannot work and put their degrees in practice. As of now, the DREAM Act is still in Congress and has not passed. Currently there is a national DREAM Act campaign which you can be part of. California has a great organizations which you can contact you and they can lead you in the right direction as to what to do. Try to contact CHIRLA in California and get involved in the campaign. Janis, New York City: Is there anything you'd recommend to policymakers at the state level that they could be doing to improve pathways forward for undocumented high school graduates? Maricela: I would urge state legislators to pass state level legislation that would grant access to in-state tuition to undocumented students residing in their state. Thus far, nine states have passed this type of legislation. Additionally, they should support efforts to pass federal legislation that would create a path to citizenship for the 12 million undocumented people living in the US. Marieli Hermida Rialto California: I just arrived form Nicaragua about 1 year ago. I have completed my High School requirements, passed the CAHSEE, but cannot continue my ediucation because I am not legal, is there anything that I can do? Melissa: First, there is no state or federal law that prohibits undocumented students from being admitted into public colleges and universities. However, most students who are undocumented do not have access to state or federal financial aid and may have to pay out of state tuition, depending on the state. I see that you're from California, and California is one of 9 states that passed legislation that allows undocumented students to pay in-state tuition if they've graduated from a CA high school and have lived in the state for three years. So, if you can afford to pay the tuition, you can continue your schooling. Maricela: I notice that you live in California. You may be in luck. California is one of nine states that extends in-state tuition rates to undocumented students who reside in the state and graduated from a California high school. The state bill that grants this benefit is Assembly Bill 540 (AB 540). There are certain requirements you must meet to qualify for in-state tuition. Please contact MALDEF’s Los Angeles office for more information about AB 540 and ways to continue your education. MALDEF also has information on scholarship opportunities. You can reach the MALDEF Los Angeles office at (213) 629-2512 or visit their website at www.maldef.org/ab540/ab540.cfm. Cynthia, CA: What are some of the things that students can do help the DREAM Act become a reality? Alexa: Get involved. Trying to get a bill passed can be a lengthy process, and from were we stand (not in government positions) advocacy is what is at our reach. Be active in the national campaign for the passage of the DREAM Act,and I see you are in California, I would suggest you to contact the organization called CHIRLA. Frank Curley: I know thousands of students who are born here and are deprived of higher education because they can not afford it, where do they stand? Maricela: Yes, it is true. Many students who are born here can not afford higher education. Efforts need to be made to make higher education more affordable to all students in the US. The DREAM Act is not a solution to all of the problems within our education system, but what it does is provide the same type of benefits that resident and citizen students receive. David Schwid: Is there a way that an 18 yr old in Wisconsin can get a social security number when he came here with his parents when young? He would like to attend technical college. Melissa: Unfortunately, he would not be eligible to get a social security number if he is undocumented. If the DREAM Act is passed, however, this would change dramatically. It is students like the one that you're referring to that make it urgent to pass the DREAM Act. Reza/Texas: We're always stating how other countries abuse human rights and they should have democracy like us. Well, I've been here since I've been 9 years old and have not gotten a chance to go back and visit my sister whom I have not seen since age 3. I'm 31 and life has passed me by but I hope we can bring democracy to the young kids here before trying to get in other people businesses. Where's the democracy here? Maricela: Yes, there are many problems with our current immigration system and unfortunately, many families suffer and are kept apart by our outdated immigration policies. Fortunately, there is a way for all of us that live in the U.S. to play a part in changing the current policies. I would encourage everyone who is dissatisfied with our current immigration system to get involved with local efforts to reform our immigration system. Deianna Tyree, Wilmington, DE: I am a social worker and would like to find information to help a bright young immigrant go to college- she wants to be a nurse. The family is lacking resources and don't think that they will be able to send the teen to college. Any info about obtaining federal student loans/ scholarships for immigrants and laws around that topic would be beneficial. Maricela: There are various scholarship opportunities available to immigrant students. MALDEF is a national organization that would be able to provide further assistance in identifying scholarship opportunities. MALDEF's website is www.maldef.org. Haydee Cuza, CA: Thank you for covering this topic. Is there statistical data for foster youth who are immigrants and their aspirations and achievement of higher education? Melissa: Unfortunately, given the unique nature of the undocumented population, data is very hard to come by. Children of immigrants face many challenges in pursuing education -- and many of them overcome them! -- but, I would imagine that the challenges can be much greater for foster youth who are immigrants. Danny/ Miami, Fl: I'm a senior on track to graduate high school in May. If the DREAM act was to be passed after I graduate, would I still be eligible to apply? Maricela: The DREAM Act, as currently written does not have an age limit. Therefore, as long as you meet the requirements currently listed under the bill you will be able to benefit from the DREAM Act if it were to pass. Melissa: Assuming you came to the U.S. prior to the age of 16, have lived in the U.S. for five or more years, and pursue college or the military, you would be eligible to apply. Ruben, New York: What are the chances of the DREAM Act becoming law? Melissa: Personally, I'm very optimistic, though I'm unsure of the timing (this is impossible to know). There are opportunities for Congress and the President to make it law this year. It's a matter of them understanding how much of a priority it is for our youth and our country. Barbara Cook, Catlettsburg, KY: Why do illegals think we owe them anything? Legal citizens are the ones that deserve our attention first. Alexa: With all due respect, ma'am. We are not illegal, because we are all human beings and we are all citizens of this world. Undocumented immigrants do not think that citizens owe us anything. We all arrived to the United States because of different circumstances and for those that are youth, they did not choose to come here but grew up in this country and is therefore their home. We are part of American society and have contributed to its flourishing. I just think it's a bit ironic that for example, the government ruled that all youth, regardless of immigration status must attend school grades K-12 and if not their parents go to jail, and then once it's time for college they cannot continue, so why encourage them? And isn't it ironic that undocumented immigrants are able to obtain a tax ID # and pay taxes (as most do), yet they dont see the benefits of these? We are not taking away anything from legal citizens, we just want fair treatment and immigration reform so that we can continue to contribute to this country, my homeland. Jean Fuentes, Miami FL If this project becomes a reality for us. Where can we find information about how everything will be processed? Maricela It is too early to direct you to the government agency that would issue all the necessary information. The best resources that I can direct you to at this time are the national organizations that are working hard to pass this bill. You should expect that organizations such as the Center for Community Change, the National Immigration Law Center and the National Council of La Raza would all provide this type of information on their website. Reni Lazova: My mother is legally here in America and she has a working visa but I do not have the right to work or to apply for any financial help. We are struggling financially because my mother is head of household .I am a very good student and every day is struggle for me because I want to study nursing but nobody would help me financially. My question is if there is any hope for me? Melissa: There is hope. You should know that there are many people advocating for the DREAM Act and many other people in your situation. In the meantime, while we fight for passage of the DREAM Act, I would encourage you to apply for scholarships. Many of them require citizenship as well, but there are some out there that don't. And, while these are competitive, I would encourage you to apply for them. Houston, Texas: Are there current financial aid programs for immigrant children? Maricela: Undocumented students who qualify for the TX in-state tuition bill, are also eligible for state financial aid. Unfortunately, undocumented students can not apply for federal financial aid at this time. This is something that the DREAM Act could change. Sergio Hernandez California: What's the % that the DREAM Act will pass? Melissa: Personally, I'm optimistic that the DREAM Act or that something similar to the bill will eventually pass. However, there is no certainty and no formula to this, nor are there any certainties regarding the timing. But, please remain hopeful. I certainly am. Maricela: It is difficult to predict whether or not the DREAM Act will pass this year. There are thousands of bills that are presented before Congress each year and only a small percentage actually pass. Fortunately, the DREAM Act is a bill that has received tremendous bipartisan support in Congress. The broad support it has received in Congress and in the community places it in a good position to move forward. Juan, Chicago IL: Is there any possibility that legislators remove financial aid from the DREAM Act? Perhaps in this way it could please those that disagree with giving financial aid to undocumented students. Melissa: Anything is possible. Currently, under the way in which the bill is drafted, DREAM students would be eligible for most (not all) financial aid that is available to other students. However, as the bill moves forward, this may change. Given that the DREAM Act is really about education, it's important to provide all the necessary supports to make a college education possible for every student, regardless of their immigration status. Financial aid is an important part of that. Maricela: Access to financial aid is an important part of the DREAM Act. One of the ways that students could gain residency through the DREAM Act is by completing two years of college. Since financial aid makes higher education more affordable, this provision in the bill essentially helps ensure that greater numbers of students are able to adjust their status through the bill if it were to pass. Members of Congress could remove the financial aid provision listed under the DREAM Act. However, we hope that they won’t since this would limit the number of students who could benefit from the bill. Lizbeth Najera: I am an undocumented student attending Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. Do you think that the DREAM Act will be implemented in 2006? Maricela: There are a lot of bills before Congress, therefore it is difficult to estimate the chances for DREAM to pass. However, the DREAM Act is in a good position because it has received tremendous bipartisan support in Congress. Melissa: Personally, I'm optimistic that the DREAM Act or that something similar to the bill will eventually pass. However, there is no certainty and no formula to this, nor are there any certainties regarding the timing. But, please remain hopeful. I certainly am. Frank Abbott, Houston Community College, Houston, Texas: I am a program manager for Houston Community College in Houston Texas and would like to inquire about financial aid for children of immigrants. Are you aware of any current programs that exist? Maricela: Undocumented immigrant students who reside in Texas and who qualify to receive in-state tuition under HB 1403 are also able to apply for state financial aid. Janis, Virginia: Congress is considering some proposals for immigration reform in addition to the DREAM Act. Can you describe some of them and tell us what voters can do to fix the broken immigration system? Melissa: You're right, Congress is considering immigration reform. Unfortunately, the House recently passed a very narrow, and ill-minded immigration bill that only focuses on border security and enforcement. In addition, it not only criminalized the 11 million undocumented individuals in our country, but anyone that assists them. In theory, that can be me, your church pastor...virtually anyone. It is now the Senate's turn, and we hope that they will approach immigration more comprehensively. Enforcement is part of the equation, but to say that it is the only solution is unrealistic and just bad policy. So, we're hopeful that the Senate's bill will include a legal path for individuals to earn citizenship in this country. To simply ignore these individuals and their contributions would be a mistake. To help, I would strongly encourage you to call your two senators and tell them where you stand on immigration. Call them several times a day if you have to. The next week is especially critical. Iliana Fresno, CA: Approximately, how long will the process take to pass the law and for the students to get their papers fixed after the law is passed? Melissa: Unfortunately, there is not set timeline for passage of the law. To put it in context, we've been working on passing the DREAM Act for the last five years. However, each year we get a step closer and make more progress. So, I'm hopeful that we'll see a law soon. Adriana Valladares: Has the DREAM act been approved yet or is it still in Congress? Melissa: The DREAM Act has not been approved. It is still before Congress. Maricela: The DREAM Act has not been enacted. The bill has been introduced in the Senate and it awaits a vote. Frank Cruz/ Reseda, California: I am going to be attending a nursing program in 2007 in Napa Valley College, and I am wondering if the DREAM Act does not past by 2009, will I still be able to take the test, or do I have to wait? Maricela: Your ability to take the nursing test will depend on what type of personal information you must provide to enroll for the test. However, in order to practice your degree you will definitely need to gain residency in the U.S. and the DREAM Act may be your answer. Melissa: Assuming you came to the U.S. prior to the age of 16, have lived in the U.S. for five or more years, and pursue college or the military, you would be eligible to apply. Dr. Jocelyn Santana, New York City: What exactly are the barriers that these students face? Can they apply for financial aid? Do they face deportation if they apply to college? What are some of the initiatives in NYC to help these students find the financial resources to pay for college? Where's philantrophy? Alexa: Probably the main barrier that undocumented students are faced with is access to higher education. They have to pay out-of-state tuition, cannot obtain financial aid and in certain cases, some colleges do not even accept undocumented students. Since they do not have a social security number they cannot get a job that will allow them to pay for tuition, and if they do get a job, it's probably off-the-books and they may be getting paid less than minimum wage. In terms of financial aid, no they cannot apply for financial aid, except for Texas who passed in-state tuiton law and provides state financial aid. There are 7 or 8 other states who passed in-state tuition, among those New York, where undocumented students pay in-state tuition but do not obtain financial aid. In NYC specifically, the City University of New York (CUNY), provides a scholarship called the Peter Vallone scholarship, for entering freshmen who have at least a 3.0 GPA fom high school. Many other private scholarships are available that do not require citizenship status, and are enough to pay for CUNY. Check out MALDEF and fastweb.com for scholarships, and also the McDonalds scholarship. Where's the philantrophy? I have great hope that it does exist and maybe the government will realize one day we are not aliens but human beings and that we are all legal citizens of this world. Monica Chipres Modesto,CA: If the DREAM Act happens to pass and an undocumented student were to take advantage of it, would illegal parents be subject to any type of questioning or persecution? Melissa: Any information that an individual provides under the DREAM Act is highly, highly confidential and it would be unlawful for anyone to use this information against the individual or his/her family. Andres, Miami/Florida: Being that there are so many young adults that want to study and/or go on in life, why haven't they approved this DREAM? I'm about to turn 21 and by the time it gets here I'm afraid I can't apply. Maricela: The DREAM Act is a good bill that would not only be beneficial to thousands of immigrant students but also to the country as a whole. Many Members of Congress from both parties understand the benefits of the DREAM Act, which is why they've supported the bill in the past. Unfortunately, there is some resistance to the DREAM Act because it would also create a path to citizenship and immigration is currently a contentious issue in Congress. Ruben Rivera, New York: I live in New York but currently I'm not involved in any organizations that promote the DREAM Act of 2005. Do you know of any here in New York? Alexa: In New York City there are numerous organizations that promote the DREAM Act. You can contact the New York Immigration Coalition, Latin American Integration Center, Global Kids, among others. If you are not in NYC, but another area of New York State, contact the New York Immigration Coalition and they should be able to guide you to an organization in your area. And, I love that you want to get involved! Ahtziri, San Diego, CA: I came to the United States with a tourist visa when I was eleven-years-old. Since then I've been staying here without crossing to my native country, and my visa expired when I was fifteen years old. I'm currently studying and I'm in my junior year of high school, I have a GPA of 3.83 and I plan to pursue further my education. How can I legalize myself? Melissa: First and foremost, you should contact an immigration lawyer. So, I am not in a position to get legal advice. But, in general, in order to begin the process of citizenship, you must qualify for a green card or legal permanent resident status, a family member who is a citizen or an employer must “sponsor” you. If these avenues are not available to you. Edwin, New York: How much should we as current students expect working and promoting our efforts for the bill to pass? Melissa: A lot! Students affected by the DREAM Act are the bill's greatest asset and best spokespeople for the bill. Sharing your experiences or that of others in this situation can move mountains and make others aware of the urgency and importance of this legislation. ACYR: How can I go to college and get financial aid if I qualify with grades and test scores but I am still considered an illegal immigrant? Maricela: Unfortunately, undocumented students living in the US are unable to receive federal financial aid. Without this type of assistance or access to in-state tuition it is very difficult for most students to afford higher education. This is why the DREAM Act is so important. If the DREAM Act were to pass undocumented students would have greater access to in-state tuition and also to financial aid. Currently, nine states do provide in-state tuition to undocumennted students. You could access in-state tuition rates if you reside in one of the following states: CA, IL, TX, NY, OK, WA, KS, UT and NM. Cornelio Rodriguez, CA: When is the Senate going to discuss this proposed act? Are they going to use this as a tool just to further their re-election chances? Melissa: Currently, the Senate is debating immigration reform, and the DREAM Act is and should be part of that discussion. However, the discussion around immigration reform is only one opportunity to move the DREAM Act. So, if the Senate fails to move on immigration, we believe there will be other opportunities to move the DREAM Act in the Senate. There's no specific timeline, however. Frank, FL: Why do many believe if DREAM passes it wouldn't be fair for the many U.S citizens that have to pay the same or more for school as many illegals? Why not take the tution away from Dream so many won't think like this. Melissa: This is a good question. Unfortunately, college is becoming harder and harder for students and families to realistically afford. There is some concern that U.S. citizens and would-be DREAM students will be vying for the same financial aid assistance. However, many people do not realize or know how much immigrant families contribute to local, state, and federal tax dollars, which are used to support our public education system. Perhaps if there was more understanding about this, many people would also share the belief that people who pay into the system, regardless of their status, should, in turn, be supported by the system. Maricela: The truth is that if the DREAM Act were to pass it would only give immigrant students, who have grown up in the US, the same rights and benefits that resident and citizen students receive. Currently many undocumented students have to pay out-of state, and in some cases even international tuition rates, at their state colleges. Out of state tuition rates can be up to 2-3 times as much as in-state tuition rates. Unfortunately, many people don’t understand this. The way that the DREAM Act is written undocumented students could only adjust their status if they complete two years of college or military service. If the in-state tuition component were to be stripped from the DREAM Act, many students would not be able to afford college and therefore, fulfill the college requirements. Hence, removing the tuition provision form the bill would greatly decrease the number of students that could actually adjust their status and benefit from the DREAM Act. Salvador Bishop, CA: If the DREAM Act were to pass, how long would it take for someone to receive legal status (receive a SSN and Green card)? Melissa: Certain students would receive conditional legal resident status immediately after graduating from high school. Individuals would have this status for six years while they pursue college or military service. After the six years, individuals would be able to apply for a green card if they've gone to college or into the military within that timeframe. Snohomish County, WA: I would like more info on how to connect immigrant kids with "education mentors." Also how to educate their parents who often do not speak English Melissa: I would encourage you to contact the Latino/a Educational Achievement Project in WA. They work a lot with immigrant and Latino youth and may be able to point you in the right direction locally. Deianna Tyree, Wilm. DE: Do colleges and universities routinely check the immigartion status of incoming students? Are these instiututions required by law to report undocumented immigrants? I am disheartened to continue to hear so much anger from writers about who "deserves" a chance to pursue higher education. It seems to me that we have heard this same argument before, but in referance to other groups, such as native and african americans...It is quite a commentary that as one of the most "advanced" societies we have failed to learn from our past mistakes... Cecilia, CFK: Alexa, What advice do you have for young students in high school who are undocumented and have dreams of a college education? Alexa: First of all, that you have to be positive, optimistic and active. I was an undocumented student in high school, Valedictorian of my class, everything going for me, but literally stopped by this wall which was my status as an illegal immigrant. Was forced to refuse many scholarships, but refused to be held back. I sat in a computer for hours and hours researching scholarships and ways that would allow me to attend schools. I applied to 15 scholarships that did not require citizenships status and only received 3, but that was enough for afford my college tuition. I stayed active for the past 3 years in trying to get the DREAM Act passed and am still there because this is a very important bill for undocumented youth to continue to grow in this country, which I continue to say is our homeland. Anything is possible, but you have to be active. While a senior in high school I randomly wrote a grant proposal/ a letter to try and get funding for school and didn't receive a positive response until my 3rd semester in college and now I am attending one of the Ivy League colleges, without receiving any financial aid, but with the help of a private sponsor. So, keep the hope up and just keep going and don't let anyone tell you that you can't because you can. I am living it and I have seen it happen to many of my undocumented peers, but you MUST be active. There are ways, and you have to go and find them, because they will not come looking for you. Alison, MD: How are states that offer in-state tuition to undocumented students dealing with the federal law that prohibits this (or rather, requires that they open up in-state tuition to ALL students). I remember hearing about some court cases involving challenges to in-state tuition provisions. Are any of these in jeaopardy? Melissa: Nine states (TX, CA, UT, NY, WA, IL, KS, OK, NM) have passed legislation that offers in-state tuition to students that have graduated from a high school in the state and have lived in the state for 2-3 years, regardless of immigration status. Many others are attempting to do the same thing, including MD. There have been some court challenges, including in KS, where the judge dismissed the case (in our favor). In general, opponents of in-state tuition have made little progress in thwarting in-state tuition. Cecilia: That's all the time we have today. Special thanks to Alexa, Melissa and Maricela for sharing their thoughts, experiences and expertise with us. |
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