Statement from Board of Regents Chancellor Betty A. Rosa and State Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia on the Legislature's Actions on the Dream Act

It is an honor to congratulate the New York State Assembly and Senate today, on what is sure to be remembered as a truly monumental day in New York State history.  Today, the Assembly and Senate moved forward the Senator Jose R. Peralta DREAM Act and by doing so have clearly demonstrated that when the government works in harmony for just causes, great things are possible. Codifying the DREAM Act has long been a priority of the Board of Regents; we applaud Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and their respective conferences for making this a top priority of this legislative session, working to get this significant legislation through their respective houses in short course and for being bridge builders (El Puente) for all the Dreamers of our State.  We also thank Governor Cuomo for his continued support for this truly worthwhile legislation.

At a time when our Nation is highly charged in partisan politics, New York will once again lead the way and open our doors to Dreamers and give them an opportunity to succeed and contribute to American society.  Dreamers were brought to America, as children, by their parents who wanted nothing more for them to give them a chance to succeed and live the American Dream. New York will now be able to provide that opportunity.  

With the passage of the DREAM Act, undocumented college students will be able to participate in the State's Tuition Assistance Program and other state financial assistance and awards, gain a college degree and fulfill the promise of a bright future in New York State.  The Board of Regents and the New York State Education Department remain committed to achieving equity across our education system and the DREAM Act moves us closer to that goal.