Undocumented Caribbean Students Receive Boost From New York Law

NEW YORK– Legislators in New York have passed a bill that, for the first time, provides undocumented Caribbean and other immigrant students access to financial aid and scholarships for higher education in the state.

On Jan. 23, the José Peralta New York State DREAM Act was passed 40-20 during the New York Senate Majority Conferenceand 90-37 in the New York State Assembly. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said he would sign it into law.

The legislation allows undocumented children, who are already students in New York State, the ability to qualify for state aid for higher education, create a Dream Fund for college scholarship opportunities and remove barriers that prevent undocumented families from college saving programs. 

Allowing undocumented youths to access financial assistance will enable them to earn degrees, access employment and support their local economies across the state.

CRITICAL

Caribbean American legislators praised the passage of the bill.

Guyanese-born Senator Roxanne J. Persaud, who represents the 19th Senatorial District in Brooklyn, said granting children of immigrants the same access to financial aid available to citizens is “fair and imperative for their chance at higher education.”

The Act will create a DREAM fund commission and a DREAM fund to advance the educational opportunities of the children of immigrants by providing scholarships to college bound students and eliminate financial obstacles to obtaining state financial aid.