everyone deserves a chance to dream
MARCH FOR A DREAM in Houston Saturday March 25th @ Northside- Davis High School to UH downtown at 11 AM. A march that speaks of the rights of undocumented students in the United States. This is not only a Latino Issue, many students from many countries are affected by having their dreams being obstructed by the system. Come and walk!!!
The DREAM ACT, S. 1545 would qualify undocumented students for conditional permanent resident status upon acceptance to college, graduation from high school, or being awarded a GED. Even tough Universities accept undocumented students; students aren't able to obtain some benefits that will help them in their education. For example, they pay out of state tuition, have limited access to scholarships, unable to apply for government educational programs and other resources.
There are many students that have a bachelor and even a master that CAN NOT work due to being undocumented. IT'S A SHAME THAT A STUDENT/PERSON WITH GREAT TALENT CAN'T APPLY THEIR KNOWLEDGE IN THE WORK FORCE AND GIVE BACK TO THE SOCIETY THAT EDUCATED THEM.
PRESENTLY UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS ARE UNABLE TO: Pay in-state tuition,(Students are paying OUT OF STATE tuition!!) Apply for, Loans, and Apply for FAFSA
BENEFITS: Would initially qualify to apply for "Conditional" lawful permanent resident status, which would normally last for six years; Chances to apply for scholarships, Pay Resident tuition, Apply for FAFSA, Receive scholarships, Apply for Governmental Programs, BE ABLE TO WORK, Give back to the society that has educated them, And many others...
QUALIFICATIONS: Immigrant student(s) who have: Grown up in the U.S. before they were 16 years old, and at lest 5 years before the date of the bill enactment. Graduated from high school here (U.S.A.) Can demonstrate good moral character DURING THE CONDITIONAL PERIOD... The immigrant would be required to go to: College, Join the military , OR Work a significant number of hours of community service * At least 910 hours * Those who meet at least one of these requirements would be eligible to apply for regular lawful permanent resident (LPR) status.
STUDENTS WOULD NOT QUALIFY FOR THIS RELIEF IF... They have committed crimes, Are a security risk , Inadmissible * OR * Removable on certain other grounds.
REALITY: Each year, approximately 60,000 undocumented young people, including honors students and valedictorians, graduate from our nation's high schools or receive an equivalent degree. Federal law strongly discourages states from extending in-state college tuition rates to them. CANNOT legally work, are ineligible for federal tuition assistance, and have great difficulty obtaining private loans. These roadblocks to higher education hurt our society because we are deprived of future leaders, and the increased tax revenues and economic growth they would produce. Young people with great potential and ambitions are limited to the employment options available to those without a college degree. Many of these students do not even finish high school, further limiting their options and ability to contribute to our economy, because they drop out of school once they realize that they will be unable to attend college
* *If enacted, the DREAM Act would have a life-changing impact on qualified students, dramatically increasing their average future earnings and consequently the amount of taxes they would pay.* (COURTESY of Brown Sugar)