California DREAM Act Becomes A Reality

By Michael Lopez

Something tells us that Jerry Brown will get a lot more Latino votes if he decides to run for office again. The California governor signed his state's DREAM Act into law this past weekend, which means that undocumented immigrants can now get financial aid from local public universities.

Granted, the California DREAM Act is a far cry from its national counterpart. The U.S. Dream Act (which has yet to pass) would actually award citizenship to undocumented students in college. California's law make no such promise, but it is encouraging for immigrants seeking higher education.

Governor Brown signed the first part of the legislative movement back in July and, with his second signature now in place, the DREAM is officially moving forward. He spoke up after signing the dotted line, praising everyone who works to pursue their education.

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

But not everyone in the state is happy about the bill. To help balance the budgets, money allocated to the DREAM Act may be taken away from grants given to low-income students. That has many citizens up-in-arms, particularly because poorer American academics may no longer be eligible for financial aid.

Republican Assemblyman Tim Donnelly has called California's DREAM Act a "colossal mistake."

"It is absolutely, fundamentally wrong and unfair,” he said. "And it is an insult to people who have worked and played by the rules, including those who have come to this country legally."

As expected, many anti-immigrant groups are also upset with the measure. But the bill's author, Assemblyman Gil Cedillo, believes that the California DREAM Act will greatly benefit the state and could be a turning point for the rights of undocumented citizens in the U.S.

"The signing of now both parts of the California Dream Act will send a message across the country that California is prepared to lead the country with a positive and productive vision for how we approach challenging issues related to immigration," he said. "It's the smartest thing for us to do to permit these students to get scholarships and be treated like every other student."

The California DREAM Act will officially take effect in 2013.

Do you think the California DREAM Act is a step in the right direction? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, California, California DREAM Act, DREAM ACt, Gil Cedillo, Immigration, Jerry Brown, Politics, Tim Donnelly