Thread: Allentown City Council considers endorsement of Dream Act

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Council considers immigration issue
Proposed federal rule targets undocumented students.
By Paul Muschick | Of The Morning Call
August 8, 2007
Allentown is re-entering the immigration debate, with City Council to consider endorsing federal legislation that would make it easier for young illegal immigrants to attend college and become legal residents.

Councilmen Julio Guridy and Michael D'Amore have introduced a resolution in support of the ''DREAM Act.'' It would allow states to offer in-state tuition rates to undocumented students, something that's currently prohibited by federal immigration law.

Those students now must pay higher international rates, which Guridy said makes it impossible for them to afford college and stymies their ability to get good jobs and avoid relying on government aid.
Guridy wants to forward the resolution to local members of Congress and urge them to support the legislation, which has failed several times since 2001.

''We're not saying give them free education,'' said Guridy, who emigrated legally from the Dominican Republic when he was 14. ''We're saying give these people a chance who have been here ... these are people who have a GED or high school diploma and are a contributing member of our community.''

Like other immigration issues, the topic has been well-debated, partly because the proposed law would make students eligible for permanent residency if they complete two years of college or military service.

Supporters say the law would give the children of illegal immigrants the same opportunities as other children, and not hold them back because they were forced to come to the United States illegally when their families brought them here.

Opponents believe the plan would encourage more illegal immigration, reward lawbreakers and burden taxpayers with their college costs.

Allentown council's endorsement is not a sure thing, with two members opposing it and at least one other unsure.

Councilman Louis Hershman, who wants the city to get tougher on illegal immigrants, said he will continue to push his own plan.

''What's more important is to take care of the illegal immigration,'' he said.

He has a measure pending that would authorize Allentown police to train to enforce federal immigration laws.

He previously wanted to order the training, not merely allow it if city administrators opt to. But that attempt failed, as did an attempt to ask voters if they wanted to order it.

The mayor and police chief opposed required training.

Councilman David Bausch said he also would not endorse the DREAM Act, short for the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act.

''I just think it's wrong. The school systems are crowded now,'' said Bausch, who has supported Hershman's legislation. ''There's a system that should be used and they're just subverting that.''

Hershman questioned why Guridy and D'Amore introduced the resolution after saying during debate on his proposals that immigration should be left to the federal government.

''They're the guys that keep saying illegal immigration should not be part of City Council, now they're bringing this up,'' he said.

Guridy said the DREAM Act endorsement is different because it merely expresses an opinion and doesn't actively involve city government in an area of federal jurisdiction.

Guridy has previously questioned whether council should endorse federal legislation in general, such as in May when at D'Amore's request it backed a bill that would make it easier for employees to join unions.

But Guridy said this endorsement makes sense because the issue directly affects Allentown. There are young illegal immigrants here and they likely will stay here, he said, so it would help the city if they were better educated.

''Although we don't know the numbers, there are undocumented immigrants going to school here in Allentown,'' Guridy said. ''It is an issue that is affecting our city and the future of our city.''

Councilman Martin Velazquez III said he is unsure whether he will endorse the DREAM Act, also questioning whether council should take a stand on federal issues.
Council has not scheduled a vote on either pending immigration-related proposal.

DREAM ACT

Bill numbers: H.R. 1275, S. 774

Status: Pending in committee in both the U.S. House and U.S. Senate.

Who would qualify: People of good moral character with no criminal record who entered the United States more than five years ago, when they were younger than 16.

Citizenship: With a high school diploma or general equivalency diploma, could apply for conditional legal residence for up to six years. If during that time they attend college or serve in the military for two years, they could be granted permanent residency.

Tuition: Would qualify to pay in-state tuition rates to colleges and universities, if state governments agree.

Does anyone have the contact information for the Allentown City Council? I feel like making a few phone calls....

That's good idea.

City of Allentown
Office of the Mayor
435 Hamilton Street
Allentown, PA 18101
Phone: 610-437-7547

Here's the website with the info


http://www.allentownpa.org/phone_directory.htm