Continue reading »]]> After a year long silence in regards to the NY DREAM Act, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo told undocumented youth that their educational aspirations just aren’t worth the expense.What the Cuomo didn’t mention was the economic cost to the state of not investing in college-ready New Yorkers by supporting the bill.

With 1 out of 4 New York students dropping out of high school, and even less pursuing higher education, thousands of qualified New York students are being denied the resources to continue their studies solely because of their immigration status.

Join the NYSYLC in telling Governor Cuomo that spending on undocumented youth is not just worth the dollars but also makes sense!

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Important!

Today, Sheldon Silver and the New York State Assembly made clear their thoughts about the future of undocumented students in New York. Although undocumented immigrants in New York pay upwards of $662 million annually in taxes, the New York State Assembly decided that undocumented students are not worth even a one dollar investment from the state. While the New York State legislature passed the New York State Dream Fund, they failed to even consider the New York State Dream Act.

The NY Dream Act is currently being held in the Governmental Operations Committee in the Assembly. Please call the Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and ask him to put up the NY Dream Act (A6829/S4179) for a vote in the Assembly, then call the Chair of the Governmental Operations committee and ask him to move the NY DREAM Act through the committee, see the numbers below.

Sample script: “I’m calling to urge that (legislators name) support the NY DREAM Act and allow undocumented students to be given an equal opportunity to the tuition assistance program, please move the NY DREAM Act to the floor for a vote ”

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver

NYC office: 212-312-1420

 Albany: 518-455-3791

Steve Englebright,Chair, Governmental Operations Committee

Albany: 518-455-4804

District office: 631-751-3094

If you have more time please call every member of the committee, see list here.

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Since the introduction of the New York DREAM Act in March 2011 Gov. Cuomo has been silent on his postion in regards to this bill, questioned by the press in a recent meeting he finally broke his silence. Here is an excerpt :

Cuomo paused for several seconds when asked if undocumented students should be eligible to apply for grants from the Tuition Assistance Program, something they would be allowed to do under the so-called Dream Act.

“You have to look at the immigration law federally and you have to look at the cost to the state. Obviously there would be a significant cost to the state,” Cuomo said. “You want to make education as accessible and as affordable as you can, but then you run into a dollar and cents question.”

Read the full article here 

Continue reading »]]> One of the ways to impress the views on the New York DREAM Act to others is to express why it’s needed, so we decided to launch Impact Statements.  Starting today, every week up until this bill is passed in June, there will be statement from undocumented youth or supporters detailing and informing their peers, Assemblymembers, state Senators and their entire community in whole how the passage of the New York DREAM Act will affect their future.  Read the statements below and Click here to get involved.

Neha: New York City

 If the New York DREAM Act were to pass I would be granted more opportunities and chances to make a better future for not only myself, but my community. College would be my pathway and I would not have to worry too much about the expense of it. I would feel motivated to achieving higher education and being the best I could be. Passing of the NY DREAM act would make me an optimistic person who will have confidence and know that every dream can be possible and all obstacles can be overcome. After all, education is a right that everyone should be able to have and with it I have the power to make a positive difference in the world.

 Tavita: New York City

Although the New York DREAM Act doesn’t benefit me since I was born here, I strongly believe in the value of it because I know of many undocumented youth that would benefit from it. If it were to be passed it would help them reach their dreams to succeed in life and truly live the American dream. To not live in poverty anymore and to pursue whatever profession they would like to be in life. Everyone has the right for a higher education regardless of their legal status.

 Vlada: Bronx

I have been in this country for 12 years. I turned 22 this past January and I haven’t gone to college yet or achieved things that I am talented at. Beginning at the age 13 and up until I graduated from one of the best high schools in New York with a B+ average, I was an avid tennis player, to the point that I lived and breathed tennis every day. Becoming a professional tennis player was my dream; however it was cut short when I couldn’t play national tournaments due to my undocumented status. After graduating high school I also couldn’t attend college because of the hardships of being undocumented. I have dreams  and talents like everyone else. I have hopes and goals. I was only 11 when I entered this country with my parents; unbeknownst to us our dreams will become nightmares. I think everyone should be given a chance to be something, anything, especially when they‘re smart, talented and good hearted people. NY DREAM act will give me a chance to study in college, graduate and become a nurse or whatever it is I choose. I will be able to strive for what I want instead of feeling depressed half the time. And eventually I will be able to have a car and get a license. I will be able to live up to my dreams.

Anna Loizeaux: Pleasantville

The passage of the New York DREAM Act will take away a bit of the powerlessness I feel while helping to figure out where and how my sister will go to college. It will give hope and opportunities to my friends who are reaching for their goals. It will open the eyes of our state and our country to the vitality, knowledge, power and beauty of our currently-undocumented family members, friends, classmates and community members. It will show how investing in DREAMers helps us all.

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Undocumented Youth Reach Destination!

150-mile walk shows determination and urgency to get New York Dream Act in 2012!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, April 16, 2012

Contact: Martin 949-395-3911

New York, NY. On April 17th, 2012, after walking 150 miles, fifteen undocumented youth and supporters from the New York State Youth Leadership Council (NYSYLC) will arrive to Albany. This long journey was started on April 9^th in an effort to gather more support from Governor Cuomo and the New York State Legislature for the New York Dream Act (S4179/A6829). This state bill, which was introduced in March 2011 by Senator Perkins and Assemblyman Linares, would provide access to state-funded financial aid (TAP) and scholarships to qualifying undocumented youth.

This group of 15 courageous and tenacious undocumented youth and supporters walked miles and miles sharing their stories and struggles with community members and legislators along the way. This walk is our urgent call to our elected officials to pass the New York Dream Act this year. The New York Dream Act makes financial sense and economic sense. As the walker Luis Saavedra states, “I am walking because any student aspiring to higher education should have equal access to it and the NY DREAM Act is the path to take.” The New York Dream Act will build a bigger sense of community within undocumented youth that will encourage them to stay and contribute to the state economy.  Most importantly, it will help New York re-establish a sense of leadership as a beacon for immigrant rights in a time when the undocumented are facing draconian, anti-immigrant measures in many other states.

WHAT: Press conference to welcome NYSYLC’s walkers from “Walk to Albany”

WHO: Undocumented youth, community leaders, and elected officials including Sen. Perkins and Assemblyman Linares

WHEN: Press conference starts at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, April 17^th, 2012

WHERE: Steps of the State Education Building (89 Washington Ave, Albany, NY 12210)

WHY: Undocumented youth need the NY Dream Act to reach their academic goals and contribute to their families and communities. Our state needs      the New York Dream Act in 2012!

To read more information about the walkers and their stories, see

http://www.nysylc.org/2012/04/walk-to-albany-new-york-dream-act/

For media inquiries, contact Martin at 949-395-3911

####

The NYSYLC is a youth led organization that seeks to improve access to higher education and creating equal opportunity for immigrant youth and children of immigrants, regardless of immigration status through leadership development, organizing and advocacy. The National Immigrant Youth Alliance (NIYA) is an undocumented youth-led network of grassroots organizations, campus-based student groups and individuals committed to achieving equality for all immigrant youth, regardless of their legal status.

Twitter @nysylc                    Facebook www.facebook.com/nysylc                         www.nysylc.org

Continue reading »]]> Walking For the NY DREAM ACt

A group of dedicated Undocumented youth and their allies started the 8-day, 150-miles trek from NYC to Albany yesterday to spread awareness and inform different communities and key legislatures about the New York DREAM Act, a bill that would allow equal access to higher education for all students regardless of immigration status by providing access to state funded financial aid and scholarships.The walkers are expected to make it to Albany on Tuesday, April 17th, but they need your help to get there. Make A Donation Here

.

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Undocumented Youth Walk 8-day Journey from New York City to Albany

To Push for New York Dream Act

For Immediate Release

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Contact: Melissa at 347-488-2310

New York, NY.   On April 9th, 2012, a group of 15 undocumented youth and supporters from the New York State Youth Leadership Council (“NYSYLC”) will begin a long journey, on foot, from New York City to Albany in support for the New York Dream Act.  Undocumented youth are deeply disappointed with Governor Cuomo’s lack of support and his failure to include funding for the New York Dream Act in this year’s state budget.  This walk to Albany is a call on Governor Cuomo and the New York State Legislature to do everything necessary to make the New York Dream Act a reality in 2012.

This 150-mile trek is an effort to obtain legislative support and to raise awareness for the New York Dream Act. This bill, which would provide access to state-funded financial aid (TAP) and scholarships to qualifying undocumented youth, has a minimal cost but would yield a massive reward.  Thousands of young New Yorkers could finally realize their professional dreams of becoming doctors, lawyers, engineers or teachers. According to a study by the Fiscal Policy Institute a tax filer with $60,000 to $75,000 income, would pay only $1.34 in added income tax to cover the New York Dream Act.

The NYSYLC, the organization that originally introduced the New York Dream Act and has spearheaded its campaign, is committed to see this bill pass by June 2012 and is ready to walk any number of miles to advocate for legislation that would address the barriers to higher education that undocumented youth face.

The New York Dream Act makes financial sense and economic sense.  It will build a bigger sense of community within undocumented youth that will encourage them to stay and contribute to the state economy.  Most importantly, it will help New York re-establish a sense of leadership as a beacon for immigrant rights in a time when the undocumented are facing draconian, anti-immigrant measures in many other states.

WHAT: Press conference to launch NYSYLC’s “Walk to Albany”

WHO: Undocumented youth, community leaders, and elected officials including Sen. Perkins,

     Assemblyman Linares,  Councilmen Rodriguez and Jackson.

WHEN: Press conference starts at 11:00 am on Monday April 9th, 2012

WHERE: In front of Gregorio Luperon High School (501 West 165th St, Manhattan, NY 10032)

WHY: Undocumented youth need the NY Dream Act to reach their academic goals and contribute to

   their families and communities. Our state needs the New York Dream Act in 2012!

For media inquiries, contact Melissa at 347-488-2310

####

The NYSYLC is a youth led organization that seeks to improve access to higher education and creating equal opportunity for immigrant youth and children of immigrants, regardless of immigration status through leadership development, organizing and advocacy. The National Immigrant Youth Alliance (NIYA) is an undocumented youth-led network of grassroots organizations, campus-based student groups and individuals committed to achieving equality for all immigrant youth, regardless of their legal status.

Twitter @nysylc   Facebook www.facebook.com/nysylc   www.nysylc.org

Continue reading »]]> Walk to Albany for the New York DREAM ACT: April 9th- April17th

This spring undocumented youth and allies will be walking 150 miles from New York City to Albany to raise support for the New York DREAM Act. The New York DREAM Act is a bill that would allow undocumented students in New York State who meet in-state tuition requirements to access state financial aid for higher education. The NYSYLC, the organization that first pushed for the introduction for this bill is committed to seeing this bill pass by June and is ready to walk any number of miles to advocate for legislation that would address the barriers that undocumented youth face.

Undocumented youth and allies will be walking the 150 miles during their college’s spring break, a testament to their deep commitment to advocate for legislation that will provide relief for thousands of students who are burdened by a system that shows little compassion or fairness. During the walk we wish to spread awareness to local communities, universities and to meet with elected officials along the way. We believe that if America is to truly function as a democracy, all New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status, should be able to realize their higher education goals.

Now is the time for our legislators and Governor Cuomo to see that although we may be restricted by current immigration laws, we refuse to be silenced. We honor and recognize the dignity of all individuals, regardless of immigration status, and will walk the full 150 miles to ensure that the New York Dream Act will become a reality.

    Make A Donation                                            Sponsor the Walkers

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As the New York Dream Act would help students attain a college degree and contribute tax dollars to New York State, it is difficult to understand the Governor’s silence on this bill. Governor Cuomo has a clear opportunity to help change the lives of thousands of youth in New York, but his inaction to include the New York Dream Act in the budget will continue to crush the dreams of so many youth who want to go to college and contribute to New York state. For more than a year, undocumented youth and supporters have urged Governor Cuomo to take action on the NY Dream Act through petitions, phone calls and the mobilization of our communities. So far, there has been no response.

Today, Rosario, Sara and Janet, three brave women took part in a peaceful demonstration to urge NY Governor Cuomo to stand up for undocumented youth by adding the NY Dream Act into the State Budget. The NY Dream Act would allow these three women and thousands of similar youth to have access to state financial aid to achieve their college educational goals. Instead of Governor Cuomo standing with us, he continues to stay silent and not take action. Rosario, Sara and Janet decided that the inaction of Governor Cuomo to be the voice for students was enough to prompt action. Currently, Rosario, Sara and Janet risked everything to bring the voice of undocumented youth to Governor Cuomo to take leadership and state publicly that everyone should have access to college education, regardless of immigration status. Right now, they are sitting in a city jail, but any second Immigration can get involved. There is nothing that stops Immigration from taking action. The longer they sit there, the greater the risk they face.

READ THEIR STATEMENTS BELOW

Janet Perez: Lehman College, 20 years old (Computer Science and Political Science)

“I was brought, from Mexico, at 11 months and have been raised here ever since. When you look at me or speak to me, you wouldn’t know I’m undocumented. I’ve felt loneliness, depression, anxiety of what’s to come, disillusioned, loss of hope. I’ve faced challenges and difficult circumstances because of my status. I attend Lehman College and I’m currently a Junior pursuing a double major in Computer Graphics & Imaging and Political Science. It’s not an easy journey. Getting arrested on behalf of my community, other undocumented youths, and of course, my dreams, means that I will be sending out a strong message: Si se puede! We want the NY Dream Act Now!”  

Watch Janet’s Video

Rosario Quiroz: Columbia University, Class of 2011, 23 years old (Sociology and Sustainable Development)

“I believe everyone should have a legitimate opportunity at achieving their dreams, so I fully support the increased accessibility to higher education that the New York DREAM Act would grant to undocumented youth. The undocumented community has shown tremendous courage in the face of augmenting obstacles despite broken promises that constantly fail to recognize our humanity, and that cannot continue to be accepted. I’d like to support and be part of the courage I’ve seen from my community these last few years.”

Watch Rosario’s Video

Sara Martinez:College of Staten Island, 22 years old (Biology)

“I want to show the urgency that Undocumented Youth face every day when they are unable to follow their dreams of obtaining a higher education. As an Undocumented student who attends college, I know firsthand the challenges we face when trying to pay for college. After finishing high school I had to work for 2 years in order to pay for my first years of college. Many never get the chance to do so and the New York Dream Act would change that. Cuomo’s silence is unacceptable and we need him to stand with us. I’m currently pursuing a degree in Biology and I hope to one day work in the Medical field.”

Watch Sara’s Video