Thread: State lawmakers push DREAM Act for New York

State lawmakers push DREAM Act for New York

Published March 29, 2011

New York – State Assemblyman Guillermo Linares, a co-sponsor of the New York DREAM Act, said that the measure does justice for thousands of undocumented youths and is an investment in the economy.

Linares, a former New York City commissioner of Immigrant Affairs, told Efe that this is "the right moment" for state legislators to act, after the "failure" of Congress to approve the federal DREAM Act, which would have allowed thousands of undocumented students to obtain residency after fulfilling certain requirements.

The state bill, estimated to benefit some 400,000 students, was introduced last week into the Senate by Manhattan Democrat Bill Perkins and in the Assembly by Linares, a Democrat who represents Washington Heights.

"Now it's up to us, as a state of immigrants, to approve this legislation and show the rest of the country that we value as they should value our greatest treasure: young people," Linares said.

Undocumented students can study at public universities in New York and pay tuition as residents, but they have no access to economic aid. Should this bill be approved, they could obtain scholarships, get driver's licences and other types of ID, and above all, practice a profession.

The requirements under this bill include having come to the United States before the age of 16 and having lived at least two years in New York before the law goes into effect.

Unlike the federal DREAM Act, the state bill does not grant legal status.

Though aware that the measure faces challenges, its framers are confident it will be approved.

"These kids will have the chance to work," Linares said, adding that the state has already invested in these young people by giving them a public-school education.

"We've invested in these youths and that's how they got where they are. Now what we will do is complete their learning so they become resources in our labor force. They're an investment in our country," the Dominican-born Linares said.

The assemblyman also said that giving these young people the chance to get help with paying costs their families can't afford will increase the number of Latinos who graduate from university.

Republicans in the state legislation have already voiced opposition to the bill.

Read more: http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/politi ... z1Hzgi6JdZ

Just how does a state do this type of legislation against federal laws and not be sued? While on the other hand if states try to enforce or stand behind federal laws they get sued by the federal government. I know we live in a complex world today but this is just down right insanity on behalf of the federal government. They have been completely absent from enforcing our laws and immigration standards.

These kids will have the chance to work

Meanwhile the citizens ,young and older are turned away from these same jobs.........

This is to all illegal Immigrant
no One ask for you can come over . & when you sneak over
to our country yes our country. Not your. you think right a way we American own you a Liveing. no way in hell we don't own you Illegal
Immigrant not one Penny . yes we Have a wonder full country . freedom
why Our guy's & girl fight for that right & that flag we all love

& we will fight for that right . & you think right a way you have right . think again . this is Not Mexico. & come hell or High water we will get it back & you & your Mexico Family go the hell Back home this is
Not only mexico this is for all of the other country also you all walk around like you own our country well you don't
No manesty

Unlike the federal DREAM Act, the state bill does not grant legal status.

Why do they keep repeating this-almost as a mantra? The state has no ability to "grant legal status."