The Jose Peralta New York State DREAM Act Passes in Both Houses

On Wednesday, the Senate and Assembly passed the DREAM act, named after the recently deceased former sponsor of the bill. The bill will allow undocumented children the ability to qualify for state aid for higher education, create a Dream Fund for college scholarship opportunities and remove barriers that prevent undocumented families from college saving programs. Another proposal long held by a republican majority in the Senate will now likely be signed into law by the Governor. This is the ninth time the bill has passed the Assembly.

Bill Sponsor, Senator Luis Sepúlveda said:

 “I am honored to sponsor the José Peralta New York State DREAM Act. This essential piece of legislation will create new pathways to higher education for our bright undocumented students who form an important part of our American family. Immigrant workers make approximately 17 percent of the overall labor force in the U.S. In our state, that number is much higher. Immigrants are 25 percent of our labor force and add roughly $100 billion in consumer power to our economy yearly. Immigrant students will now reach even greater heights because of the improved access to a world-class education. Through the Jose Peralta New York State DREAM Act, our shared American dream becomes a reality for thousands of deserving young immigrants.”