Undocumented Pinoy students in California to receive aid

Undocumented Filipino students in California will receive financial aid for their education in college as the state’s Dream Act was signed into law on Monday (Tuesday in Manila), according to a report on Asian Journal. The report quoted California Gov. Jerry Brown as saying the state’s Dream (Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors) Act is a “piece of investment in people because people are what drives the culture, the economy, the state and our country." Brown pointed out, “If we’re going to continue as a powerful, equal-opportunity society, we’re going to have to invest in our people." Under the law, undocumented students that qualify for in-state tuition can apply for scholarship money that is provided from non-state funds, such as private endowments, annual gifts, or other sources. At present, undocumented students in California are not eligible for any kind of assistance, according to the report. The bill will become law on January 1, 2012. It will cover students attending the California State University, University of California, or the state’s community colleges, the report said. “California is the third state in the US that allows undocumented students access to privately funded financial aid and/or pay in-state tuition. Illinois and Maryland have passed similar laws earlier this year," Asian Journal reported. According to the report critics said the California Dream Act gives illegal immigrants a false hope because their status will not change after graduating from college and they will remain unable to find legal employment. Former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed an earlier version of the bill last year, the report added. — Jesse Edep/VVP, GMA News