http://www.wbir.com/news/local/story.as ... ider=gnews


Local students fight for "The Dream Act"

By: Anthony Welsch,
Date created: 9/21/2007 7:07:41 PM

High schoolers took their message to the streets of downtown Knoxville Friday, pushing for a dream.

A group of mostly juniors and seniors urge support of The Dream Act.

It's a bill in the House of Representatives and Senate that would give undocumented students a path to citizenship and the chance at in-state tuition for college.

Supporters say undocumented students who have the grades should get the chance at a college education. If they can't afford it, they should at least be given the same opportunities as the other students they've gone through school with.

They say most children don't make the decision to come to U.S. without papers. But at times, it's as if they're being punished. Supporters say undocumented students are turned away from most universities.

"All the undocumented kids, they would have a chance to go to college, make better lives for themselves, get a better education." Joe Nunez, a senior in Knoxville said.

"So, if we have children supporting our economy -- they are going to be supporting through an education or military -- What else do you want from an immigrant?" Lisa Barba, a Community Organizer with T.I.R.C.C., the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition said.

Opponents of the bill say it's unfair for families who may not contribute as much in taxes to receive benefits like in-state tuition.

According to Senator Lamar Alexander's office, it's unclear at this time if and when the Senate will vote on the bill. A spokesman from the office says the bill's sponsor, Dick Durbin was quoted in a Washington newspaper saying he will likely not bring the bill to a floor vote.