Nydreamact.org

New York Dream Act (S4179/A6829) Information Sheet

What is the New York Dream Act?

The New York Dream Act would allow undocumented students who meet in-state tuition
requirements to access state financial aid for higher education.
Why is it important?

An estimated 146,000 youth in New York who have been educated in New York public schools
are currently ineligible to receive financial aid under federal and state law. Of the 4,550
undocumented students who graduate from New York high schools every year, only 5-10%
pursue a college degree due to tremendous financial obstacles.
Although many have attended New York schools from kindergarten through 12th grades, they
are left in limbo after graduating high school, ineligible to receive federal tuition assistance,
scholarships, grants or loans. With Congress’ failure to pass the federal DREAM Act in 2010, it
became clear that New York, as a state with one of the largest immigrant populations in the U.S,
must do what Washington D.C. has failed to do and equip these students with the tools that will
help them succeed in their higher education pursuits.
California, Texas, and New Mexico have passed state-level Dream Acts allowing undocumented
students to access state funded financial aid and New York should join them in passing
legislation that is good for our community, good for our youth, and good for our economy.
Those who benefit from the bill must meet the following requirements:

• Have graduated from a high school or obtained a GED in New York • Have entered the United States at or before the age of 18 • Have resided in New York State for at least two years prior to enactment of the • Enroll in a college or university in the state of New York • Meet Higher Education Services Corporation’s requirements for TAP 339 Lafayette Street, Suite 304 • New York, NY 10012 • 212.473.2570 • [email protected] • www.nysylc.org Myths and Facts about the New York Dream Act (S4179/A6829)

Myth 1: The Bill would provide an incentive for people to come here illegally.

Fact: The New York Dream Act offers absolutely no reason for people to enter the
country illegally. It does not legalize students nor does it provide benefits for immigrants who are
not already here. In fact, the New York Dream Act requires students to come to the U.S. at or
before the age of 18, graduate from a New York high school or obtain a GED in New York, and
have resided in New York state for at least two years prior to enactment of the legislation.
Myth 2: It will be a fiscal burden and increase the strain on state educational systems.

Fact: The New York Dream Act would make money for taxpayers. State and local
taxpayers are already investing in the education of undocumented students in elementary and
secondary school. It would be economically illogical to bar students from attending college and
developing their careers. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, those who obtain a Bachelor’s
degree earn $1 million more over his or her lifetime than those with a high school degree,
contributing tens of thousands of dollars to New York State’s economy. The Institute for
Taxation and Economic Policy estimates that undocumented immigrants paid $662.4 million in
taxes to New York state in 2010, making it the state with the fourth highest revenue in taxes
from undocumented immigrants.
Myth 3: Documented New Yorkers will lose spots in college due to passage of the New
York Dream Act.

Fact: The small number of students who will be impacted by the New York Dream Act is
not significant enough to affect the opportunities of others. Moreover, allowing undocumented students to access financial aid will generate revenue for colleges and universities. While the cost of attending CUNY is $5,130 per year, the average TAP award is $2,764, the difference usually paid to the universities.
Myth 4: The New York Dream Act is a form of amnesty and would reward people who
come here illegally.

Fact: The New York Dream Act will not legalize students. The bill is focused on
expanding undocumented students’ access to New York’s Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). The requirements to qualify for the New York Dream Act are extensive and it will not serve as an amnesty of any sort. These students are here to stay and we should provide them with the tools to become outstanding members of New York. 339 Lafayette Street, Suite 304 • New York, NY 10012 • 212.473.2570 • [email protected] • www.nysylc.org

Source: http://www.nydreamact.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/NY_DREAM_Act_infosheet2012.pdf