NASFAA has joined twenty-nine other higher education associations to voice support for the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors or "DREAM" Act (S. 729 and H.R. 1751).

The bill would allow undocumented immigrant youth who were brought to the country as children to obtain legal permanent resident status if they remain in school through high school graduation and go on to college or military service. While federal law does not prohibit undocumented students from attending college, these students face major obstacles in admissions, access to in-state tuition and access to financial aid.

In a July 1, 2009 letter to the chairs of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, American Council on Education President Molly Broad stated that the bill "provides educational and career opportunities for young people, many of whom are in this country through decisions beyond their control, but have shown themselves exceptional members of our communities and exhibit exemplary academic achievement... Access to in-state tuition is essential for these students, as is the path to legal status that the DREAM Act endorses."

The letter also advocates extending eligibility for federal grant aid to these students, a particular interest of NASFAA members.

"As the DREAM Act moves through the legislative process, we respectfully request that you also work to extend federal grant aid to DREAM Act-eligible students to remove another significant barrier to their higher education success."

The DREAM Act was first proposed in 2001 and has attracted significant support over the years but failed several times to make into law. The bill was reintroduced in the House and Senate on March 26, 2009. This year the measure stands a good chance of passing given President Obama's support (as a senator, he was a cosponsor in 2007) and the Democratic majorities in both houses of Congress.

Posted 07/06/09 to www.NASFAA.org. Redistribution to non-NASFAA institutions is prohibited. Please submit Web site questions or comments to Web@NASFAA.org.