After months of hard work the Illinois DREAM Act is scheduled to be voted on in the Illinois Senate tomorrow!
This bill has the power to make a real difference in the lives undocumented young people throughout Illinois and moves the immigration debate toward
Urgent: Ask your Senator to vote Yes on the Illinois DREAM Act!
The Illinois DREAM Act provides:
• Good information. DREAM youths too often get incorrect information from high school counselors and college admissions officers regarding their college options. This bill would encourage these counselors and officers receive regular training regarding educational opportunities for immigrant youths. Having accurate information would give DREAM youths the hope they need to continue their educations and help reduce the rates of high school dropouts.
• Education Access. Many qualified DREAM students do not have the financial resources to pursue college—and as a result their talents are wasted. An estimated 65% of DREAM youths come from households that earn below 200% of the poverty line. The Illinois DREAM Act would establish a privately-funded Illinois DREAM Fund, administered by a volunteer state commission, to make scholarships available to undocumented students at no cost to taxpayers. The bill would also open up college savings programs and prepaid tuition programs to all Illinois residents, so that the families of DREAM students will be better able to pay for tuition. Note one penny comes from tax dollars.
• Illinois DREAM Commission. In addition to administering and fundraising for the Illinois DREAM Fund, this commission would monitor implementation of other parts of this law and research the needs of DREAM youths as they make their way through college.
Tell Your Senator to Support the Illinois DREAM Act and other pro-immigrant legislation!
On Saturday at our New Americans Rally, Illinois Senate President Cullerton committed to passing this bill but we need to do our part. Contact your Senator and ask them to support the Illinois DREAM Act and then ask your friends to do the same!
