Brown signs tuition bill for illegal immigrants
Gov. Jerry Brown has signed legislation allowing illegal immigrants to apply for state-funded college financial aid, the second chapter of a package known as the California Dream Act.
“Going to college is a dream that promises intellectual excitement and creative thinking," Brown said on Saturday. "The Dream Act benefits us all by giving top students a chance to improve their lives and the lives of all of us."
In July, Brown signed the first part that permits undocumented students to apply for private financial aid. Assembly Bills 131 and 130, respectively, were authored by Assemblyman Gil Cedillo, D-Los Angeles.
Currently, undocumented students may pay in-state tuition rates if they graduate from a local high school and can show they are in the process of applying to legalize their immigration status. Assembly Bill 131, effective Jan. 1, 2013, will make the limited pool of students eligible to apply for Cal Grants and other aid.
Proponents maintain the legislation will give students a route to success, particularly because they would stay and work in the state and their immigration status could change in through marriage, employment or other factors.
"This bill will ensure educational opportunities for young people who already live in California and who have demonstrated a true desire to improve their lives through education and careers," said Chancellor Constance Carroll, of the San Diego Community College District. "This is an investment in young people that will, in the end, benefit the whole economy of the state."
The state Finance Department has estimated that 2,500 students would qualify for Cal Grants as a result of the measure at a cost of $14.5 million – about 1 percent of the $1.4 billion program. Other published estimates to expand the program range from $23 million to $40 million a year.
In an interview Saturday, Carroll applauded state lawmakers for spurring an environment in which young people could have access to the information needed to get a job and emerge as a contributor.
"The alternative would be a drain on the economy of California," she said.
But critics assert the measures could be seen as rewarding illegal immigration. They also pointed to the sagging economy in contending the bills would burden scarce resources.
"California families are struggling to make ends meet and send their kids to college," said Sen. Joel Anderson, R-La Mesa. "For the state to prioritize and subsidize the tuition of non-Californians over Californians is flat-out wrong."
The legislation requires that grants first be given to U.S. citizens and legal residents before being awarded to undocumented students. California joins Texas and New Mexico in allowing illegal immigrants to seek private and public college funding.
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