After the DREAM Act failed to pass the U.S. Senate, the New York State Youth Leadership Council (NYSYLC) had vowed to work towards a NY version of the DREAM Act. On March 21, 2011, they prevailed in their struggle. State Senators Bill Perkins (District 30) introduced the New York DREAM Act (S. 4179) and State Senator Dan Squadron (District 25) has co-sponsored the bill.
Although there is no path to citizenship, the NY version of the DREAM Act will provide State benefits to those that meet its requirements. As reported by the NYSYLC, the benefits include access to financial aid for higher education, access to driver’s licenses, work authorization and access to health care. In order to qualify for these benefits, the young person must have arrived to the United States before the age of 16, be under the age of 35, have resided in New York State for at least two years, have obtained a high school diploma or GED equivalent from an American institution and have good moral character.
Governor Cuomo has not publicly stated his opinion regarding the NY DREAM Act. To urge the Governor to publicly state his support for the NY DREAM Act, visit http://action.dreamactivist.org/nydreamact/ Take one minute to sign the petition and message it to Governor Cuomo.
To get active in the New York State Dream Act Campaign 2011 please visit www.nysylc.org
Follow us on twitter at ImmigrationNY for instant updates on the NY DREAM Act.
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