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“Dream Act” Advances at State Capitol
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Audio
Aired 6/22/11
California legislation that would make some undocumented college students eligible for Cal Grants and other state aid has cleared a hurdle at the Capitol.
California legislation that would make some undocumented college students eligible for Cal Grants and other state aid has cleared a hurdle at the Capitol. Democratic Assemblyman Gil Cedillo wrote the bill, which is part of a package known as the “Dream Act.” It was approved by a Senate committee today.
Cedillo sees the bill as an opportunity to set an example for the country. Cedillo said, “It’s a statement of optimism, it’s a statement that says that we still have hope, that we still believe in the future. That’s what this bill does, not just for these students, but for us as a state and for us as a nation.”
The bill’s companion measure makes those same students eligible for private aid. It’s also moving through the legislature.
Opponents point out that under immigration laws, hiring undocumented students after graduation is illegal.
Former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed previous versions of the bill, but Governor Jerry Brown has indicated he might support it.
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Comments
HarryStreet | June 23, 2011 at 5:02 p.m. ― 2 years, 10 months ago
Why doesn't our government demand the Mexican Government enact this type of benefit for their citizens? The responsibility of providing education for people isn't ours alone. Don't they (the Mexican Government & citizens) share a responsibility in offering their people educational opportunity? Is this the future they want? Come to American any which way you can. Sooner or later you'll have citizenship and an education.
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yjjsv | June 23, 2011 at 11:41 p.m. ― 2 years, 10 months ago
actually they do people who into college after passing an entry exam get free education if they are of need and fyi im not mexican
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randolphslinky | June 24, 2011 at 9:16 a.m. ― 2 years, 10 months ago
The Dream Act. What are we saying by passing this? Yes, I know the kids didn’t bring themselves here, but then if we’re going to offer this how will we ensure that law-breaking adults in the future won't be enticed to turn their children into illegal aliens while seeking to unlawfully increase their incomes in the United States? In a country in which the average American wage isn’t keeping pace with the cost of living, and college is becoming increasingly expensive and competitive, why is it fair to allow what amounts to amnesty for a half-million illegal-alien young adults who will be in direct competition with American workers? How do we ensure that no other Americans will become unemployed because of the amnesty? How do we prevent chain migration categories created in the late 1950s that allow anchor immigrants to bring in adult relatives other than a spouse? If we allow this, then we will have to allow these young adults to bring in their parents, older siblings, and eventually aunts, uncles, and cousins, many of whom were guilty of breaking our laws and putting the illegal-alien teens in their current condition in the first place. If we pass this, what prevents a new rush on the border (and of visa overstays) of people encouraged by the fact that breaking immigration laws truly does get rewarded? How is it fair that the American taxpayer has to sustain and support all those that want to come here, regardless of how they got here?
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