The New York Dream Act

News From New York State
Senator Shirley L. Huntley
For Immediate Release: April 5, 2012
Contact: Antonio Rodriguez | arodrigu@nysenate.gov | (518) 455-3531

**PRESS RELEASE**

Senator Huntley Continues to Fight for Equal Opportunity for All New Yorkers

Calls for Senate Passage of NY Dream Act

Senator Shirley L. Huntley (D-Jamaica) and the Democratic Conference continues to stand together and call for the passage of the New York DREAM Act this legislative session. The New York DREAM Act taps into the historical principles of our State, including freedom and opportunity, as it would provide access to state financial aid programs, including grants, loans and scholarships for undocumented youth in New York.

Last week, the Senate Democratic Conference offered DREAM Act legislation on the Senate Floor which was unfortunately voted down by the Senate Republicans.

“In a state that has been a leader on issues of civil rights and one which has one of the highest immigrant populations, New York should be at the forefront of progressive immigrant polices,” Senator Huntley explained. “If we are ever to close the growing education gap in New York, we must provide an affordable path to college for all New Yorker’s regardless of their immigration status.”

The Senate Democrats stay committed to providing access to higher education for all New Yorkers, including undocumented students. Enabling these immigrant youths to earn financial assistance will help encourage and support their achievement through higher education. Included in the Dream Act are provisions to:

• Provide access to State financial aid, including grants, loans and scholarships.
• Overturn current statutes which prohibit undocumented students from receiving State financial aid.
• Ensure that all New York students have the same access, assistance and opportunity to get a quality education.

The New York State Dream Act will eliminate potential obstacles to obtaining State financial aid and extend the opportunities for certain immigrant students to attend higher education institutions throughout New York State.

“Regretfully the Senate Republicans have chosen to ignore the thousands of voices who have continually spoken out for the equal opportunity for higher education funding in continually voting against this legislation,” Senator Huntley concluded. “Myself along with my conference stand committed to ensuring this issue is no longer ignored and that the New York DREAM Act becomes a reality.”

###

Additional news available at http://huntley.nysenate.gov and facebook.com/Shirley L. Huntley
New York State Senate Email | shuntley@nysenate.gov | (518) 455-3531