Assembly Passes Dream Act, Undocumented Immigrants to Apply for Scholarships

Posted: May 05, 2011 1:56 PM PDT
Updated: May 05, 2011 1:56 PM PDT
By Kiki Jones - bio | email

SACRAMENTO, Calif- The State Assembly passed the California Dream Act (AB 130), legislation that gives graduates of California high schools who meet in-state tuition requirements the right to apply for scholarships at California colleges and universities.

Accroding Assemblymember Luis Alejo, all scholarship money must be derived from non-state funds and the bill has no cost to the state or taxpayers.

Assemblymember Alejo, the principal co-author of the California Dream Act, said, "California is presented with a great opportunity, and this opportunity will provide our state with new direction and allow us to invest in our brightest students and help them realize their academic dreams and aspirations…. I believe in the California Dream Act because every student should have equal access to a higher education, equal access to a better future."

Three people from the Salinas Valley addressed the Asembly. Each of them shared their story about life as an undocumented student and the adversity they faced struggling to earn a college education.

Francisco, Hollister, 27 years old

In 2002, I was accepted to California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo. Six years later, in June of 2008, I graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture and Spanish Minor. Coming from an immigrant family of six from Hollister, CA, one thing was always said to me: work hard on anything that I set my mind to. And after some years of sacrifices and selling tamales, menudo, cleaning professor's houses and working hard every day, my family and I were able to pay my college tuition. The situation I was put in was not my choice. I believe individuals in similar situations should get the help to have their dreams come true.

Emma, Soledad, 20 years old

Throughout high school, I was an honors student. My grades were always great and I maintained a strong grade point average. My whole life I dreamed of becoming a doctor. My parents never had a chance to have an education and worked hard for me and my brothers to have a better life, here in America.

As the time to apply for universities came near, I consulted with my high school counselors. They recommended that I apply to private universities, because they offered more financial aid. Completing my applications, I was accepted to several universities and all agreed that I met the requirements to become a student at their campuses. Life, as it is, did not allow me to attend any of these universities. Tuition was something my family was not able to pay at the moment. I began work at a local fast food restaurant. This job would not be enough for me to pay for half a year's tuition at any of these schools. Heartbroken, I graduated from high school knowing I could not afford college. I'm proud of my accomplishments, but I know I can achieve so much more if given the chance.

Aurelio, Salinas, 18 years old

When I first came here in the United States, I thought going to school would give me opportunities to pursue my dreams. But since then I have become an AB 540 student. I feel discriminated against because I cannot qualify for opportunities that other students can. Financial aid was one of the keys I needed to open doors for my future success, but the office of Financial Aid rejected me just because I am an AB 540 student.

After high school, I transferred to Hartnell Community College in Salinas, California, where I am currently attending. I am majoring in Biology because I want to analyze the human body so I can help people to be healthy.

I believe that success is important and having a better education is a way to the future. Being an AB 540 student doesn't stop me from continuing my education and pursuing my dreams. But it closes all doors to government assistance. Without financial aid, I feel like I am living in darkness and because I don't have the same opportunities.

http://www.kionrightnow.com/story/14582 ... -dream-act