Immigration bill awaiting approvalThe DREAM Act is designed to help out undocumented students
By: Eleni Reed

Issue date: 10/11/07 Section: News
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By Friday, the stress for tens of thousands of undocumented students could be alleviated, depending on Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's decision over whether or not to sign the The California Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act. The bill on Schwarzenegger's desk would allow undocumented students to apply for non-competitive loans.

The DREAM act is also being debated on the federal level. Carlos Amador, president for the Alliance of Students for an Equal Education at Cal State Fullerton, said the bill was introduced in the state legislature two weeks ago, however, there was no vote. The DREAM Act is now being introduced in the Higher Education Bill and a deadline is set for Nov. 16, Amador said.

"It is very important that representatives know that people are out there that support the DREAM Act by contacting them with letters [and phone calls]," said Amador.

The federal Illegal Immigration Reform and Illegal Responsibility Act of 1996 discourages states from providing in-state tuition costs to undocumented students. The DREAM Act would nullify provisions and pave a path for undocumented students to gain citizenship.

Undocumented residents who have lived in the country for five years with a high school diploma may be able to obtain citizenship. Undocumented students are put on a six-year probation where they must enroll in a two-year community college, a four-year university or enroll in the military and keep a clean criminal record. If these obligations are upheld, they become permanent residents. The bill has been rejected by critics as amnesty.

The alliance is trying to bring a play to CSUF called "Nine Digits Away From My Dreams." It will highlight the lives of undocumented students and their struggles of being denied the same social opportunities as citizens, said Leticia Serrato,vice president of the alliance. The organization wants to either hold a rally or set up tables around campus to ask students to sign a petition to support the DREAM Act.