The piece centers on a family of 3 children, brought to California when they were young, and all three presently enrolled in the University of California system. Carrie Kahn has the report.
Democratic Assemblyman Gil Cedillo, who authored the bill, says through no fault of their own, these kids were brought to California. He says they've been educated in California schools, have been admitted to state colleges. It's not fair to tell them now they can't get scholarships or aid like other students.And then, this. The emphasis is mine.
Assemblyman GIL CEDILLO (Democrat, California): It makes no sense to invest in a child K through 12, and then undercut that investment by making their higher education more difficult by not providing funds that we provide for all other students.
KAHN: Cedillo says after graduation, many students will figure out a way to apply for citizenship, and will fill professions that California will sorely need.
But Republican legislator Tim Donnelly says the state's finances are so dire, it's ludicrous to be giving money to illegal immigrants - though, he says if he were a father of three living in a poor country, he would come to California, too.I really, really, really want to believe this isn't all about racism. I really, really, really want to think the folks who are against the DREAM ACT, and immigration reform in general, can give me some solid public policy imperatives. Something to spark my ideas. Something to argue against. Something to help create intelligent discourse. But how in the world anyone could listen to the family story profiled in this piece and think these kids want the state to buy them a car, is beyond comprehension.
Assemblyman TIM DONNELLY (Republican, California): They will give my children a K-through-12 education, which I can't get in my home country. Then on top of that, they will provide instate college tuition and financial aid. Where does it end? Are they going to buy me a car next?
You can read the entire transcript, here.
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