California State University East Bay

The Pioneer

California State University East Bay

The Pioneer

California State University East Bay

The Pioneer

Turf
Filler ad

Dream Act Unfair to College Students

A traffic sign commonly found in border areas.

Earlier this month, Governor Jerry Brown signed a bill giving students who are illegal immigrants access to public financial aid.
Around 2,500 students will qualify for California grants as a result of the new bill at a cost of $14.5 million, according to the California Department of Finance.
Judging by California’s current financial position, is it really wise to be giving financial aid to illegal immigrants that are attending California State universities?
When students who have been born and raised in California are finding it difficult to fund their time in college, some not attending due to the price, I feel it would be more beneficial to use some of the $14.5 million to help those students with their education as opposed to helping those who are here illegally.
Whilst I am not denying those who are here illegally an education, I see no problem with the current situation.
As of now, undocumented students can pay in-state tuition rates only if they graduate from a California high school and can show they are in the process of applying to legalize their immigration status. This allows those to have an education that are legalizing their status in the United States; which is exactly how it should be.
Not only is the new bill unfair to U.S. students, it is unfair to those that have moved to the country legally.  If those who have emigrated here illegally are being given the same rights as others this is only going to influence more illegal immigration, specifically to California.
The act comes as other states such as Georgia, Alabama and Arizona harden their laws on illegal immigration.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Brown said of the bill, “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.”
I completely agree that everyone deserves the opportunity to improve their lives and an education is a good way of doing that.  However, by allowing illegal students access to financial aid is possibly jeopardizing the education of those students born and raised in California and who are struggling to fund their college experience.
Whilst I’m sure Brown had his heart in the right place, I have little hope the consequences of this are going to be beneficial towards the state and towards American-born students.
Ever heard of the saying, if it’s not broke, don’t fix it?

Leave a Comment
More to Discover

Comments (0)

All The Pioneer Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

Activate Search
California State University East Bay
Dream Act Unfair to College Students