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Today was a historic day in Albany as the New York State Senate passed the Jose Peralta New York State Dream Act, a bill that will allow the children of immigrants to receive federal aid when applying to college.
After six years of the bill being blocked by Republican Senators, the new turned majority-Democrat Senate pushed the legislation through in a 40-20 vote, which will be fully enacted by 2020. The bill was expected to pass and is seen by Democrats as a necessary bill needed by many young undocumented students to better their education and the U.S. as a whole. The federal government does require that all children receive an education from grades K-12, but higher education was a different story.
"After years of advocacy, DREAMers in New York will finally be able to step out of the shadows and use higher education to live their American Dream," said Democratic Assemblywoman Carmen De La Rosa.
The bill passed just a few months after the passing of its main champion Sen. Jose Peralta who died from leukemia in November. Peralata's family was present in Albany when the bill passed.
"The DREAM Act was a labor of love for my husband,” said Peralta's widow Evelyn Peralta. “The spirit of my husband is alive in this room today.”
The $27 million bill specifically will give undocumented students access to tax privilege college savings plans, or 529 plans, scholarship opportunities and any other assistance as long as they attend a New York state high school or high school equivalent program for two years or more, graduate and apply for college within five years of receiving their diploma.
Republicans have said that this bill drains the system taking away money and aid from legal citizens.
"How am I supposed to tell families in my Senate district that adequate state aid to help afford college isn't available for others who are in this country illegally?" said Republican Sen. James Seward.
Many other Republicans feel the same way as Seward and President Donald Trump who has vehemently spoken out against pro-immigration policies. This bill acts as a strong counter to Trump's rhetoric and follows suit with California, Texas, New Mexico, Washington, Oregon and Minnesota as these states have also passed similar legislation.