Dream Act dream team has Valley influence
clovisindependent.com
By News Feed
By Heather Somerville / The Fresno Bee
Aug 30, 2011, 9:40am

Illegal-immigrant students and allies from across the state descended on the state capital last weekend to plan their next strategy in the fight for immigration reform.

Members of the California Dream Network, a coalition of college students advocating for access to higher education for illegal immigrants, joined forces during a three-day retreat in Sacramento to renew lobbying efforts for the California Dream Act.

The retreat marked the start of what is shaping up to be a pivotal year for illegal-immigrant students.

The Dream Act, now making its way through the Legislature, could be signed into law by early October. The bill would open doors to higher education by allowing illegal-immigrant students to tap scholarships and financial aid. Part of the law would be implemented in January.

“This year is very, very significant,â€