Juanita Arias came to the United States as a child and hopes to one day work as a neurologist or cardiologist. Photo courtesy NYS Senate
Juanita Arias of Jackson Heights has big dreams since arriving from Colombia four years ago, and the accolades to back them up. But unless the state legislature acts, this 17-year-old will soon run out of options.
Arias has already been named valedictorian of Newtown High School in Elmhurst and received a full-ride scholarship to attend St. Joseph’s College as well as acceptance letters from several other schools. But in order to achieve her goals of becoming a neurologist or cardiologist, Arias said she would need the ability to acquire student loans for her post-grad education – which relied on the state passing a comprehensive DREAM Act.
“There are many limitations I will face if I cannot take out any loans for school,” Arias said. “But the DREAM Act would help me in pursuing my education.”
After several attempts to pass similar legislation over recent years, state Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver joined with Assemblyman Francisco Moya (D-Jackson Heights) to unveil a comprehensive development, relief and education for alien minors act (DREAM) to support immigrant youth. Lawmakers said the bill would be the first of its kind in allowing immigrant students to apply for state financial aid and create a fund to provide private scholarships.
Moya said he was optimistic the state would follow the lead of several other states throughout the country that have already passed similar laws making it easier for immigrant youth to obtain money for their education. He spoke of a shift in momentum nationwide that has been making such legislation much more popular in the eyes of government leaders.
“I think this is the year we have come the closest to getting it through,” Moya said. “We passed it in the Assembly before, and with the help of Speaker Silver, who has a been a tremendous advocate for this issue, there is some great momentum happening.”
The Jackson Heights assemblyman added that he and some of his colleagues were disappointed Governor Andrew M. Cuomo failed to include DREAM initiatives in his State of the State address and executive budget last month, but still felt optimistic the legislature could get it through.
If passed, the state’s DREAM Act would join three other states, including Texas, New Mexico and California, in offering state financial aid to the children of immigrants. The measure would also give young immigrants access to a range of state educational opportunity grant programs, such as Tuition Assistance Programs or Educational Opportunity Programs, lawmakers said.
“Our immigrant families, like many struggling in these trying economic times, need financial help to achieve their educational goals,” Silver said. “As a child of immigrants, I know that investing in these inspiring students represents an investment in our future.”
Arias said a New York DREAM Act would be especially lucrative in a borough like Queens – one of the most diverse places in the country.
“There is a great percentage of immigrants in Queens – especially in Jackson Heights,” Arias said. “Students here have been living in the area for years and came here when they were babies. They have a real opportunity to obtain an education and can achieve their goals with help from the DREAM Act.”
By Phil Corso
