Will it Be a Dream or Nightmare for California?

The California Dream Act is becoming closer to a law in California. If you're not familiar with AB 131, it is a companion to AB 130, which has already been passed as law. AB 130 makes scholarships available to undocumented aliens and makes it easier for them to pay tuition to state colleges and universities. AB 131 would give undocumented students further access to publicly financial aid, such as Cal Grants.

As reported on Campus Progress site (which focuses on campus politics):

"The committee on appropriations in the California State Senate successfully passed an amended version of AB 131 yesterday. This means the real California DREAM Act is on its way to the Senate floor for a vote, where it is expected to pass."

Southern California Public Radio, KPCC comments:

"This bill has stirred much controversy. Opponents of the bill have said that they don't wish to spend state funds on educating documented students, especially since many of these students are later hard pressed to fully utilize their degrees because they lack legal status, and thus good job prospects"

This bill may make it easier for undocumented students to get an education but it does not change their illegal status.

General opposition to the bill brings up the following points:

* Colleges are already overburdened

* There is limited financial aid available

* The estimated cost to make this bill a reality would be between $22 million and $42 million dollars.

I have read quite a few of the reactions from the public on this issue and while some seem overtly racist or prejudiced, other people are simply applying common sense to the issue. Many of us wonder how a state that has already made massive cuts in the budgets of schools, colleges and Districts statewide can afford to implement a bill of this nature that doesn't directly service the students whom we, as a state, are obliged to serve.

Most of us know that tax dollars only go so far and our state budget is stretched extremely thin. Even though there is wording in AB 131 that says a Cal Grant will be awarded to an undocumented student "only if funding remains available". One wonders if this will be the ideal or the reality.

Personally, I embrace the humanity of this bill and the largesse of it's intent. But I can't see how it is practical for our state. Don't we owe our own kids our monies, allegiance and support above all? It's difficult to criticize this kind of Bill without coming across as sounding like some kind of extremist. But in a very practical sense, our state and country should take care of their own above all. I wouldn't mind seeing the U.S. educate, feed and clothe every person on the planet but no matter how generous our spirit, our resources just can't handle that.

It looks as if AB 131 will become law. The state Senate is expected to pass it and Governor Jerry Brown is a supporter. I am always proud that in instances of world crisis and tragedy and natural disasters, our country is the first to respond. People all over the world are benefitting from our funding, support and encouragement. I really think our own kids deserve no less.

For further reading:

http://campusprogress.org/articles/fight_for_california_dream_act_not_ov...

http://multiamerican.scpr.org/2011/08/will-the-second-part-of-the-califo...