New study outlines problems with the DREAM Act

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Posted: 6:28 PM
By: Jay Reynolds

PHOENIX - A new study says politicians haven't discussed how much passing the DREAM act will cost.

But one group is saying the study is all wrong.

"It puts everybody on the same level in the same game in order to get ahead," said undocumented immigrant Daniel Rodriguez.

Rodriguez would love to become a U.S. citizen by attending college, a path to citizenship the DREAM Act promises.

"I think what the DREAM Act is based on is what can we do that's morally right and maybe also economically right to give the students a path to legalization," Rodriguez said.

But a new study by the Center for Immigration Studies points out that path could cost too much money.

"You're going to have to cover the costs. If you think the DREAM Act is a good idea you can't burden local community colleges and state universities like this," said Director of Research for the Center for Immigration Studies Steven Camarota.

The study states, if immigrant students get in-state tuition it will cost Arizona $350 million a year in lost tuition.

But Rodriguez, who is also part of the Arizona Dream Act Coalition, says tuition isn't part of the bill.

"However, under the bill it is completely false immigrant students will be paying in-state tuition," said Rodriguez.

The study also points out that if the bill passes more immigrant students will go to college, limiting the spots for American citizens to attend.

"What hasn't been part of the debate is the impact on these institutions and the American citizens who want to attend these same institutions," said Camarota

A competition Rodriguez says is healthy.

"It benefits us all when the best and brightest are elected to go to college or university and take those spots," Rodriguez said.

The U.S. Congress could vote on the DREAM Act as early as next week.

http://www.abc15.com/dpp/news/state/new ... -dream-act