HR 20

WHEREAS, California was among the first states in the nation to recognize the contributions that undocumented college students make to our state, by passing legislation in 2001 (AB 540, Chapter 814 of the Statutes of 2001) that enabled certain undocumented students to pay in-state tuition rates at our public universities and colleges; and

WHEREAS, California expanded this commitment by enacting the California Dream Act of 2011, which allowed students eligible for in-state tuition under AB 540 to apply for both institutional financial aid as well as state-based financial aid, in particular the Cal Grant Program; and

WHEREAS, In order to qualify for state financial aid under the California Dream Act of 2011 and AB 540, an individual must have completed at least three years of elementary or secondary education in California, have received a high school diploma or its equivalent from a California school, and be actively working towards legalization of their immigration status; and

WHEREAS, Since the California Dream Act of 2011 took effect in 2013, over 20,000 California students, referred to as Dreamers, have received state grant aid under this program, enabling them to afford a quality higher education and contribute further to our society; and

WHEREAS, The federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, enacted by President Obama in 2012, has allowed over 230,000 undocumented residents of California who entered the country as minors to apply to receive legal work permits and live without fear of persecution or deportation; and

WHEREAS, In order to qualify for DACA status, an individual must have been brought to the United States before their 16th birthday, must not have been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, or three other misdemeanors, or otherwise be determined to pose a threat to national security, and must meet other requirements; and

WHEREAS, The current administration under President Trump has indicated that he may repeal the DACA program, and officials of the federal government appear to have increased deportations of undocumented residents, including those who were led to believe they were protected due to their DACA status; and

WHEREAS, Anecdotal evidence from high school counselors, college financial aid officers, and the Student Aid Commission indicates that many Dreamers and potential Dreamers are reluctant to fill out the Dream Act application for state financial aid, believing that providing their personal information to the government may put them at increased risk of deportation or persecution; and

WHEREAS, The Legislature, the Governor, and all of the states public institutions of education, including the Student Aid Commission, the State Department of Education, the University of California, the California State University, and the California Community Colleges Chancellors Office, have all pledged to do everything within the power of the law to protect Dreamers and DACA residents from discrimination; and

WHEREAS, The State of California is better served when all of our best and brightest students seek a higher education, rather than remaining in the shadows; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, That California residents eligible for in-state tuition and financial aid under the California Dream Act of 2011 are strongly encouraged to fill out the California Dream Act application and continue the process of applying for college, in order to realize their full potential as productive, educated residents of our great state; and be it further

Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.