COMMENTARY | The State University system of New York made a bold move on Wednesday, affirming a resolution that aims to offer state sponsored financial aid for illegal immigrants hoping to attend colleges in the state. New York is one of the only a few states that will provide any kind of benefits to illegal immigrants trying to attain a better life for themselves and their families.
Chairman of the board of trustees H. Carl McCall said “The current demographic realities of New York State indicate that many of the brightest and hardest-working students eligible to enroll at SUNY are of undocumented status, and it is imperative that SUNY remain accessible to these students.” This is truly a massive move for immigrants’ rights. With the resolution in place it will be easier for immigrants to afford schooling and gain a college education.
Besides being a big step in and of itself, the plan shows Congress there is a great deal of support for the Dream Act, which provides a path to citizen ship to illegal immigrants that meet certain criteria. Currently 5 percent of New York high school graduates who are illegal immigrants are likely to attend public colleges in that state.
This is a tremendous move in the fight for immigrants’ rights. A big state like New York has to make waves in Congress. Hopefully, if this program works and increases the number of illegal immigrants who gain a college degree it should provide encouragement to Congress about the Dream Act. Illegal immigrants are frequently some of the hardest working and most patriotic of Americans. To discount their work and effort on a mere technicality is just another way the government tries to exercise its power.
Giving people and education and citizenship is only to benefit the country. If illegal immigrants get deported, their hard work in America goes for naught. Granting citizenship encourages more people to work hard towards gaining citizenship themselves.
Many undocumented individuals are essential to the towns, cities and communities they live in. Just because they aren’t technically citizens, doesn’t make them any less than those that are. In fact, it could make them more admirable, as they work to support themselves and a country that won’t support them. The SUNY system made a bold but bright move by passing this resolution and if more states would follow suit, soon a new path to citizenship could be forged.
Source: Record Online Staff, A New York state Dream Act will test legislators, Record Online.com