New bill promises undocumented students access to higher education
By Ji Hyun Lim
For thousands of undocumented students who struggle with the college application process, a new bill may provide a solution for them to gain access to higher education in the United States. Currently, many bright and talented students who are without social security numbers discover that they are not qualified for federal aid, denied admission to college and faced with fears that they may be deported back to their country of origin.
Until recently, there was little hope for these undocumented students. However, with the support of a dozen community organizations and Sen. Dick Durbin, D-IL, many of these students may have a chance to attend college here. Sen. Durbin introduced a bill entitled the Children’s Adjustment, Relief and Education Act (CARE Act) in June that could help tens of thousands of undocumented students nationwide attend college. A hearing is scheduled in October to introduce this bill in Washington.
During a preliminary hearing Sept. 10, Durbin expressed deep concern for these students. He explained that his own mother, who was an immigrant from Lithuania, sacrificed a great deal in order to contribute something to this country. He pointed out that he was proof that second generation Americans could join the society and be leaders here.
“Without this legislation, these students will have uncertain futures with no chance of continuing their education in America once they graduate from high school,” Durbin said.
The CARE Act targets secondary school students, grades 7 through 12, and provides in-state tuition for college-age alien children by repealing the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996. It also creates adjustments for certain illegal immigrant children under 21 years who have lived in the United States continually for more than five years and plan to attend an institution of higher education as defined by the Higher Education Act of 1965. This would give students eligibility for post-secondary educational assistance including grants, scholarships, and loans.
According to the Senator’s spokesperson Stacey Zolt, the CARE Act would require no special funding from the government if ratified. Currently, the CARE Act has eight co-sponsors in the Senate and a similar bill called the Student Adjustment Act has been introduced in the House of Representatives by Chris Cannon, R-UT, Howard Berman, D-Calif., and Lucille Roybal-Allard, D-Calif. The CARE Act is supported by over 15 community organizations, including Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights which has begun a state-wide campaign to promote the passage of the Act, working with a coalition of 60 community-based organizations throughout the state.
Said Zolt: “We can’t promise children an advanced education, a chance to better themselves and become a part of American society and renege on that promise because they’re undocumented. These kids did not make the choice to come to this country. They were brought here by their parents and we need to make good on that promise to them that if they work hard, go to school, get good grades, that they too can partake in that dream. It’s not fair to leave these kids behind.”
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