The New York State Dream Act (S.4179/A.6829) would allow undocumented students who meet in-state tuition requirements in New York to access state financial aid for higher education.The bill, originally championed by the New York State Youth Leadership Council and introduced by Senator Bill Perkins (D-30) and Assemblyman Guillermo Linares (D-72) was first introduced on March 22, 2011.
After the failure of the federal DREAM Act and partially as a response to the trend of draconian immigrant legislation spreading through several states, members of the New York State Youth Leadership Council strategized on how to move forward in the current political climate.The YLC decided that the best way to help make the DREAM Act a reality would be to create the New York State Dream Act, a bill that would serve not only undocumented students in New York but also send a message to Washington D.C. that their failure to pass the DREAM Act is unacceptable.
The New York State Dream Act has continued to build momentum for the past year and is supported by a large coalition of immigrants’ rights groups, the New York Board of Regents, Senator Gillibrand, Mayor Bloomberg, CUNY, SUNY, and a number of private universities. While the fight in Albany may be a hard fought battle, the New York State Youth Leadership Council is committed to taking any and all steps to ensure that all who live in New York, regardless of immigration status, are given equal access to higher education.
At the core of this bill is an affirmation of justice, compassion, and belief that all human beings deserve the right to realize their full potential. We hope you can stand with us and support the New York Dream Act. Please join the cause by calling your local senators and state representatives and request them to support the New York Dream Act. Together we can make the New York Dream Act a reality and help New York stand on the right side of history.
