http://www.contracostatimes.com

Posted on Sat, Jun. 03, 2006

Youth leaders push act for immigrant students
BRENTWOOD: Interfaith group launches campaign to help those seeking higher education
By Paula King
CONTRA COSTA TIMES

BRENTWOOD - The youth leaders of the Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization have launched a grass-roots campaign to support the higher education goals of undocumented students through the American DREAM Act.

The Development Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act would help immigrant students continue their education and work legally in the United States after earning a college degree. If the Senate and House sponsor and pass the act, students with a high school diploma who enroll in college will be granted temporary resident status for six years.

These students would achieve regular permanent residency once they earn a college degree, complete studies toward a bachelor's degree or serve in the U.S. military for two years.

"It is unfair to keep students from fulfilling dreams of becoming doctors, lawyers and nurses based on a decision they had no control over," CCISCO member Maria Santos said. "Immigrating to this country was not their choice, but rather that of their parents who sought a better life for their toddlers that have since then graduated."

During a community forum at Liberty High School this week, CCISCO youth from around the county tried to illustrate how undocumented students face struggles in finding employment even with a college degree because of their immigrant status. CCISCO is a countywide federation of 25 religious congregations that advocates for community improvements, services and programs.

Through a powerful skit, 10 teens dressed in caps and gowns spoke of their career goals and then took off the graduation attire to reveal what their fate would be a decade from now without this law. Some of the students would go on to become doctors, lawyers and accountants, but others faced hardships.

Community members who faced these struggles also gave powerful testimonies. Oakley resident Antionio Camacho came here from Mexico, graduated from Freedom High School and was denied a full scholarship because he didn't have a green card.

"That killed my dream," he said. "That is why we need this to help people fulfill their dreams."

By now, Camacho would have been two years into college and on his way to becoming an architect, but instead, he is working in construction to pay the bills. He said the DREAM Act will show society that immigrants can be more than field and construction workers.

Concord resident Bryan Rojas came here at age 12 and didn't know the language or culture. The Diablo Valley College student graduated from Ygnacio Valley High School and was a scholar athlete.

"Higher education shouldn't be a dream for anyone," Rojas said. "There are many people like me, so please give us a chance."

As a representative of Congressman George Miller, Barbara Johnson attended the forum. She said that while Miller supports the concept of the DREAM Act and equal opportunity, he has not seen the final bill and can't completely commit to it yet.

"He is very aware of the struggles of students trying to get higher education," Johnson said.

CCISCO youths are seeking the support of Republican politicians, including Rep. Richard Pombo, R-Tracy.. They plan to personally deliver a letter to his office and start a calling and writing campaign.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paula King covers education in far East County. Reach her at 925-779-7189 or pking@cctimes.com.