• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • About
  • Advertising
  • Submissions
  • Contact

Coyote Chronicle

The Independent Student Voice of CSUSB Since 1965

  • News
  • Community
  • Politics
  • Opinions
  • A & E
  • Features
  • Sports
  • Expressions

Immigrant “Dreams” approved

October 14, 2011 by Archived posts Leave a Comment

by Lena Torres | Staff Writer|

The California Dream Act has officially passed.

Governor Jerry Brown has signed AB-131, the second part of the California Dream Act, officially making the bill a law. The first part of the bill was signed earlier this year in July.

The Dream Act makes illegal immigrants “eligible to apply for and participate in all student financial aid programs administered by the State of California to the full extent permitted by federal law,” according to the bill itself.

Beginning next July, illegal immigrants will be eligible for state scholarships and financial aid, if they meet certain qualifications.

California is the third state to pass the legislation following New Mexico and Texas.

This legislation gives hope and opportunity to immigrants in California, looking to expand their education. Brown said he believes it is a way to help immigrants give back to a country that has given them so much.

“Going to college is a dream that promises intellectual excitement and creative thinking. The Dream Act benefits us all by giving top students a chance to improve their lives and the lives of all of us,” said Brown in a press release.

For immigrants to be eligible for state funding they must meet certain qualifications.

They must have entered the United States prior to age 16, lived in the United States for five consecutive years prior to the enactment of the bill; must have graduated high school or obtained a GED as well as be accepted to a college/university or some type of institution of higher education.

The requirements also include the individual must be between the ages of 12- 35 and be of good moral character. Current law also requires Cal Grant recipients to have a GPA of 2.0 according to csac.ca.gov.

California students have mixed opinions in regards to the passing of the bill. Some believe our state simply cannot afford it at this time.

“I don’t feel our state budget is in the condition to issue out more financial aid. I am a natural born citizen who is struggling with my college fees due to lack of state funding,” said UCR student Stephanie Ike.

However, according to the California Department of Finance, there are about only 2,500 students who will qualify for Cal Grants.

The cost is about $14.5 million. The annual budget of the Cal Grant program is at 1.4 billion. The new cost will make up 1 percent of the annual budget.

Others say they support the act as long as the state is capable of providing the extra funding.

“I think it is great that others will have opportunities previously not offered. I don’t know where there extra money will come from, but if the state can work it out, I’m all for it,” said CSUSB student Maury Dudley.

Some students support the legislation but believe there should be stricter qualifications in order to receive state funding.

“The Dream Act has good intentions, however there should be a stricter GPA requirement in order to receive state funding,” said CSUF student Mark Villanueva.

Related posts:

Gov. Brown proposes flat budget for CSU system
From Quebec to California: French Canadian exchange student shares his experience at CSUSB
Cop killer Dorner dead

Filed Under: News Tagged With: California, Dream Act, financial aid, Governor Jerry Brown, immigrant

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Search the Chronicle

Follow us on social media

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube

Sponsors

Omnitrans.org
Emerald Desert Storage
San Bernardino Art Festival
KAABOO

Issuu Archives

Check out our past issues on Issuu.com

Pfau Library Archives

Take a look at articles going back as far as 1984 through CSUSB Scholar Works

Newsletter

Featured Articles

The CW’s Life Sentence

April 24, 2018 By Yesica Gonzalez Leave a Comment

"Life Sentence" is an comedy-drama series that has recently launched on the small screen on the CW network. The series premiered on Mar. 7, right after "Riverdale," and has been receiving a lot of feedback … [Read More...] about The CW’s Life Sentence

Sig Ep Supports our Troops

April 24, 2018 By Jason Samp 1 Comment

In 2011 the Executive Board of the California Upsilon chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon had a meeting, they needed a change in culture. The Youth Aids Philanthropy they had at the time just did not work out for … [Read More...] about Sig Ep Supports our Troops

The Significance of “Avengers: Infinity War” and Impact of the Marvel Universe

April 24, 2018 By Isabella Meneses Leave a Comment

On April 27, the Marvel cinematic universe is releasing its 19th movie, "Avengers: Infinity War," further expanding their impressive timeline of movies. The anticipation of the release of "Avengers: Infinity … [Read More...] about The Significance of “Avengers: Infinity War” and Impact of the Marvel Universe

Mother’s Day on a College Budget

April 24, 2018 By gventuro Leave a Comment

Spring break is over and school is back in session. That means May is just around the corner and it is time to start thinking about Mother’s Day. It is the day to celebrate the one willing to do anything for … [Read More...] about Mother’s Day on a College Budget

Coachella: Why You Should Make One Trip in Your Lifetime

April 24, 2018 By Brittany Stiner Leave a Comment

Winter has disappeared, the rain has stopped and spring is finally here. When winter turns to spring, Coachella-goers come out of their 9-to-5 jobs and start prepping for the weekend of their lives. The 2018 … [Read More...] about Coachella: Why You Should Make One Trip in Your Lifetime

Footer

Recent Comments

  • Kris Schmautz on Sig Ep Supports our Troops
  • Mellissa on Threatening hypersexual culture numbs American society
  • Andrea Engelhorn on Motionless in White (feat. Ice Nine Kills and [not] Chelsea Grin)

Local News for the Inland Empire

  • Coyote Radio
  • CSUSB Athletics
  • CSUSB Weather Station
  • Inland Empire Magazine
  • Inland News Today
  • John M. Pfau Library
  • Office of Public Affairs, CSUSB

Pages

  • About
  • Advertising
  • Alumni
  • Archives
  • Contact
  • Submissions

Meta

Login

Copyright © 2018 · News Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in