FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 25, 2014

Assembly Passes DREAM Act, Increases Access to Higher Education for New York's Immigrant Youth


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Striving to make the dream of a college education a reality for New York's immigrant students, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver today joined bill sponsor Assemblymember Francisco Moya and Higher Education Committee Chair Deborah Glick to announce the passage of the New York State Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act, a comprehensive measure that would bolster the availability of educational support for immigrant youth (A.2597-A).

"Despite their drive and ambition, thousands of young immigrant students in New York have seen the door to a higher education sealed tightly shut time and again," Speaker Silver said. "Prevented from applying for state aid, these students are often forced to defer or completely forgo their dream of a college education. The DREAM Act corrects this unjust and unfair wrong by ensuring that all students - regardless of their immigration status - would be able eligible for state assistance to pursue a college degree. By increasing the opportunities for these talented students to receive the education they so rightfully deserve, the DREAM Act helps provide them with the tools they need to be competitive in an employment market where there is more demand than ever for a college-educated workforce."

Since 2002, New York has been just one of 17 states that ensures in-state tuition is available to children of immigrants. The DREAM Act would go a step further by allowing these students to apply for state financial aid and increasing the availability of financial aid options for immigrant students, including a comprehensive list of state educational assistance programs, such as:

photo Silver also was joined by 16-year old DREAM Act advocate Kevin Vayas, a Junior from the International High School at LaGuardia Community College. In announcing the Assembly's expected passage of the bill, Silver urged the Senate to also pass the act.
"If our mission in Albany is to make our state more prosperous and to lift the poor out of poverty, then passing the DREAM Act would be our truest accomplishment," Moya said. "With the passage of the DREAM Act, we will provide futures for the futureless and infuse our ailing economy with a burst of energy. Passing the DREAM Act sends a strong message to our state's young immigrants that we value them and that we support them in their desire to contribute to the place they call home."

"In a state that has strived for equal rights and equal access for everyone, we refuse to turn our back on these students, who have done nothing wrong and everything right by striving for a college degree," Glick said. "The DREAM Act will help provide aid to thousands of young immigrant men and women, thereby helping them pave their own path to success and provide them with greater opportunities for the self-fulfillment and prosperity that so many immigrants seek when they arrive here in America."

This legislation would also establish the DREAM Fund, a private scholarship program that would be committed to advancing the educational goals of the children of immigrants through privately-funded scholarships, and increase access to the New York State College Tuition (529) Program through family tuition accounts. These family tuition accounts would be available to anyone who provides a valid taxpayer identification number. These accounts, which are similar to state-run programs in both California and Illinois, have been federally approved since 2002. Family tuition accounts would make it easier for New York's immigrant families to consistently put aside money and save for their children's futures.

Melany Chavez, a senior at Art and Design High School and member of Make the Road New York, said, "Today I'm deeply grateful to the NY State Assembly for passing the NY DREAM Act. As someone who currently cannot apply for financial aid, I am hopeful about the possibility that this is the year that it will pass. This legislation will not just help me, but many other students who want to contribute to our state. After I graduate this June from high school, I want to pursue my dream to attend college and study computer science. Most importantly, if I am able to obtain financial aid, my father will not have to take on a third job to pay for my studies."

Edmunda Morena, a senior at Brentwood High School and member of Make the Road New York, said, "If the NY Dream Act passes it would allow me to qualify for financial aid and study graphic design. Most importantly I would make my mother proud that I will be pursuing a college education. As a proud Long Islander, I thank the leadership of the Assembly, specifically Speaker Sheldon Silver and Assembly Member Francisco Moya, for pushing my dream forward!"

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A 2013 study by state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli found that the demand for higher-skilled workers continues to increase statewide. As of March 2013, the unemployment rate for people with only a high school diploma was twice as high compared to those with a bachelor's degree, especially in the downstate region. The comptroller's report found the average wage for workers with a bachelor's degree in the downstate region was 85 percent higher than those with only a high school diploma. Increased access to financial aid would likely increase the number of immigrant students to graduate high school and pursue a college education.

Mario Cilento, President of the New York State AFL-CIO, said, "The path to the American Dream runs right through our state's first class colleges and universities, but for many without financial assistance that dream can never be realized. This legislation will allow hardworking students, for many of whom New York is the only home they have ever known, to realize their full potential and ultimately make our state and local communities even stronger. We thank Speaker Silver, Assemblymember Moya, and their Majority colleagues for leading the fight to enact the Dream Act; the time has come."

Hector Figueroa, president of 32BJ SEIU, said, "The Assembly has taken a strong stand today and is clearly committed to giving hard working young immigrants the chance to realize their dreams. Our members around the state have made it clear to us how important this bill is to them, and we will continue to work hard to make sure it gets to the governor's desk."

José Calderón, President of the Hispanic Federation, said, "We would like to thank Speaker Sheldon Silver and Assemblyman Francisco Moya for their amazing leadership in again passing the New York State DREAM Act through the Assembly today. For the past three years, Hispanic Federation and a broad coalition of Latino, student, immigrant, education, labor and faith advocates have made a strong case for education equity and economic opportunity for all New Yorkers who live and learn here. With growing support in the State Senate and from the Governor, we are hopeful that our Albany leaders will do the right thing and make 2014 the Year of the DREAM."

Steven Choi, executive director of the New York Immigration Coalition, said, "The state Assembly has come out on the right side of this issue with its passage of the State Dream Act--kudos to Speaker Silver, Assemblyman Francisco Moya, and Higher Education Committee Chair Deborah Glick for their leadership, kudos to the assembly members who voted in favor of this crucial piece of legislation, and kudos to all the folks who helped move this forward since it was first introduced two years ago. When you have the Regents Chancellor and the Board of Regents, the State Education Commissioner, teachers, business leaders, faith leaders, youth groups, immigrant groups, and CUNY and SUNY leadership all standing united in support of it, you know it's the right move. Now it's in the hands of the State Senate and Governor Cuomo to make the New York State DREAM Act reality. We are gratified that the Governor has indicated he will sign it into law if the Senate passes it, so we say to the Senate: the Governor supports State Dream, New Yorkers support it, now it's your turn."

Kevin Stump, NYPIRG's Higher Education Advocate, said, "Students from across the state applaud Assembly Speaker Silver and Assemblyman Moya for their leadership to give undocumented youth access to state financial aid so they can better afford college and pursue their dreams. Now it's time for Senate leadership to join the Assembly and bring the NY DREAM Act (S.2378) to a vote in the Senate so the Governor can sign it into law."

The DREAM Act would make New York one of only six states - including Texas, New Mexico, California and Minnesota - to offer state financial aid to immigrant students. The Washington State Legislature recently approved a bill that would allow undocumented students to be eligible for state financial aid. The state's Governor is expected to sign it into law.