California’s government has at times proven unfriendly to students, with drastic cuts to public education resulting in continuously rising student fees at all of California’s public universities. But on July 25, public education advocates and state officials alike were victorious in their efforts to make higher education more accessible when Gov. Jerry Brown signed AB 130 — the first half of the California DREAM Act — into law.
With AB 130, California is once again leading the nation toward fairer immigration policy. The law is a milestone in the national debate surrounding immigration, allowing undocumented students to receive financial aid from the institution they attend.
We hope this law will catalyze national reform and allow undocumented students the chance to legally enter the workforce and fully utilize their skills and knowledge that they gain from their education.
But the timing is not right for its companion bill AB 131, which would allow undocumented students to receive financial aid from the state.
With the state’s budget in unprecedented disarray and public education funds being drastically cut, the bill is not a financially viable move. That reality is a direct reflection of the under-performing economy coupled with misplaced state priorities. California’s legislators must prioritize public education and reinvest in the future of the state in order for the DREAM Act to one day be complete.
Because of residency requirements under AB 540, all undocumented students who will receive institutional aid under AB 130 already have firm roots in California.
Thus, moving forward, the next step should be to craft public policy that creates an easier path to citizenship.
Until then, we must continue to pressure our state officials to act responsibly on behalf of students — documented and undocumented.
Though there is no doubt that AB 130 is a tremendous victory for Californians, there is still work to be done, and we look forward to a smarter immigration policy and the fulfillment of students’ dreams across the state and nation.
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This is indeed a dream come true if you’re an illegal. If you’re a citizen and taxpayer you’re now footing the bill for someone who has broken our immigration laws.
Unfortunately, the foolish children who think money grows on trees believe fiscal responsibility is some type of mean-spirited abuse. I guess it will take them a few years when they are out in the workforce, watching more and more of their paycheck disappear in taxes, before they will ever get a clue.
“If you’re a citizen and taxpayer you’re now footing the bill”
Absolutely not. You’re referring to AB131, which will probably never pass. This bill just allows foreign students to apply for privately funded scholarships. No tax dollars are involved.
University of California Berkeley Chancellor Birgeneau: no need to share sacrifices with Californians.
Californians face mortgage defaults, 12%
unemployment, pay reductions, loss of unemployment benefits. UC share the
sacrifices of Californians: No layoff or wage concessions for UC Chancellors,
Faculty during greatest recession of modern times. Yudof curb wages, benefits
for California Democrats, Republicans! If wages better elsewhere, chancellors,
vice chancellors, tenured, non tenured faculty, UCOP apply for the positions.
If wages are what commit employees to UC, leave for better paying position.
UC wages must reflect California’s
ability to pay, not what others are paid. There is no good reason to
raise UC tuition, fees when wage concessions are available.
The sky will
not fall on UC.
Share the sacrifices UC President, Faculty,
Chancellors, Vice Chancellors, UCOP:
No furloughs
18 percent reduction in UCOP salaries & $50
million cut.
18 percent prune of campus chancellors’, vice chancellors’ salaries.
15 percent trim of tenured faculty salaries, increased teaching load
10 percent decrease in non-tenured faculty salaries, as well as increase research,
teaching load
100%
elimination of all Academic Senate, Academic Council costs, wages.
(17,000
UC paid employees earn more than $100,000)
However,
rose bushes always bloom after pruning.
UC Board of Regents Chair Sherry Lansing can bridge the public
trust gap with reassurances that UC salaries reflect depressed wages in California.
The sky will not fall on the 10 campuses of UC
California seems to be so proud to give in-state to ILLEGAL ALIENS, when you should be a shamed of what you are doing. You’re $25 BILLION in debt because of the illegal aliens and you want to spend more on them. Why are the taxpayers putting up with this? I think it’s time to get rid the liberal IDIOTS you have out there. Get rid of the illegal aliens, too! They are destroying this country.
Did you read the article? AB130 has no connection whatever with taxation. The measure for a state subsidy is AB131, and the article says “But the timing is not right for its companion bill AB 131, which would
allow undocumented students to receive financial aid from the state.” In fact, I’d say it’s a near impossibility that the Legislature would ever agree to it.
“You’re $25 BILLION in debt because of the illegal aliens”
Actually, I think it’s because capital-gains revenues plummeted when the stock market tanked.
“allowing undocumented students to receive financial aid from the institution they attend.”
I don’t think there was ever a bar preventing foreign students from applying for private scholarships. Why is this anything remarkable? But State subsidy of foreign students is another matter entirely.