DREAM Act Referendum To Be Considered By Court Of Appeals

Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Robert Lang

The Maryland Court of Appeals will hear arguments today on whether the November referendum vote on the DREAM Act is constitutional.

Attorneys for CASA of Maryland have argued that the measure cannot legally be brought before voters, because it is an appropriations bill which is not subject to a petition to referendum. They argue a referendum would violate the Maryland Constitution.

The DREAM Act requires community colleges to offer in-county tuition to undocumented immigrants who have graduated high school in the county where the college is located.

The bill passed the General Assembly last year. Opponents submitted more than twice the number of signatures to get the issue on the November ballot.

Lower courts have rejected challenges to the referendum.

The Court of Appeals is expected to rule on this issue by mid-July.

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