Title
Dept/ Agency: Offices of Municipal Council/City Clerk
Action: ( ) Ratifying (X) Authorizing ( ) Amending
Type of Service: Supporting the New Jersey DREAM Act
Purpose: Urging New Jersey Governor Chris Christie to sign into law the New Jersey the DREAM Act enacted by the State Senate
Additional Information:
Sponsor: Council Member Carlos M. Gonzalez
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WHEREAS, the original bill known as the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act also called the DREAM Act has been reintroduced in Congress in 2013; and
WHEREAS, for thousands of young adults raised in this country, who were brought to the U.S. by their parents without proper documentation, current laws continue to keep their dreams for a future out of reach; and
Whereas, for them, pursuing a college education and a career isn't just a matter of working hard and achieving academically. Instead, they face many roadblocks in their path to success: a crushing financial burden, discriminatory enrollment policies, and the constantly looming threat of deportation; and
WHEREAS, the DREAM Act, would give undocumented young people the chance to overcome these obstacles by providing a clear path to citizenship, and the ability to attend public universities at an affordable rate; and
WHEREAS, the DREAM would allow states to charge in-state tuition rates to all resident students, regardless of immigration status; and
WHEREAS, only those who were brought to the U.S. at the age of 15 or younger have lived in this country for at least five years, have good moral character, have graduated from high school or obtained a GED, and who attend either college or military service for at least two years, would be eligible for citizenship. Those who meet these rigid eligibility requirements have truly demonstrated their commitment to building a life in the U.S.; and
WHEREAS, with the recently enacted State DREAM Act awaiting the ...
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