stephen sullivan_writing sample
TRANSCRIPT
Sullivan 1
Stephen Sullivan
Professor Smith
Lena (TA)
NYS Assembly Internship Program
Research Paper on the NY Dream Act (A22)
Bill I Am Specifically Analyzing:
The bill I am analyzing is the NY Dream Act (A22), which will provide financial aid and
other educational opportunities to undocumented immigrants. It would amend the education law
so that undocumented immigrants could be provided with city, state, and village/town funded
programs related to financial aid, which includes but does not limit itself to scholarships, loans,
and grants. The bill addresses access to educational resources, and also provides a link to
economic success for the state. (A22, Sponsor’s Memo) According to the provisions of the New
York Dream Act, students are able to receive TAP (Tuition Assistance Program) funding if they
attended a New York State high school that was approved, graduated from a New York State
High School that was approved, and applied to go to a university or college in New York State
within five years of receiving their diploma. (Legislative Gazette)
In addition to providing financial aid to undocumented immigrants, the Dream Act would
establish a Dream Fund. This Dream Fund would be responsible for giving scholarships that are
private to “undocumented immigrants and children of undocumented immigrants.” (Velasquez,
Legislative Gazette) The Dream Act would give young undocumented immigrants the ability to
receive access to the Higher Education Opportunity Program, Collegiate Science and
Technology Program, Tuition Assistance Program, and Opportunity Programs given to
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community colleges in New York State. (Velasquez, Legislative Gazette)
According to the provisions of the New York Dream Act, students are able to receive
TAP (Tuition Assistance Program) funding if they attended a New York State high school that
was approved, graduated from a New York State High School that was approved, and applied to
go to a university or college in New York State within five years of receiving their diploma.
(Legislative Gazette)
The conflicts/catalysts precipitating the bill:
The conflicts/catalysts precipitating the bill were large amounts of undocumented
immigrants being unable to financially prosper because of their inability to gain access to higher
education through the denial of financial aid. (Pearson, NY Daily News) This problem has
gradually been building up, given that many undocumented immigrants qualify for state tuition
for higher education, yet are not allowed to receive any financial aid for this. This has raised
cause for concern, given that undocumented workers will not be able to afford higher educational
access due to the denial of such loans. (A.22)
There are additional conflicts/catalysts motivating the passage of the NY Dream Act.
According to a report from the National Skills Coalition, New York is facing a work shortage in
regards to workers who have levels of skill required for the majority of most job openings. This
conflict could be resolved through undocumented immigrants being provided with these jobs,
which could be achieved through receiving access to higher education. An estimate by the
National Skills Coalition showed that 39% of all job openings in the future would require an
associate’s degree at the least. (A22, Sponsor’s Memo)
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A further conflict/catalyst motivating passage of this bill is that there are many
undocumented immigrants paying taxes and abiding by the law, in turn not being granted access
to higher education in New York. Furthermore, it has been accepted on a wide level that those
paying taxes should benefit from them when it comes to getting access towards things such as
higher education. According to the Institute of Taxation and Economic Policy, immigrants who
were undocumented paid in excess of $662 million in taxes to the state of New York in 2010.
This made New York State the fourth highest state in tax revenues from immigrants who were
undocumented. Of the $662 million dollars paid in taxes by undocumented immigrants, $95
Million came from property taxes, $463 million from Sales Tax, and $104.4 million from
personal income taxes. (A22, Sponsor’s Memo) These conflicts have been building up gradually.
What the Legislation Does to Resolve the Proposed Conflict:
In order to resolve the conflict of undocumented workers being unable to get access to
higher education, the bill amends the Education Law establishing the criteria for an
undocumented immigrant student to capitalize on programs related to scholarship given by the
State of New York. A student that is deemed as qualified is a student who has met the
requirements of eligibility without being of “lawful immigration status” (A22, Sponsor’s Memo).
In further amending the education law in New York State, the bill verifies that the person
applying for such student loans does not have to be a resident of New York State and shall be
allowed to live in the area in which they attend their institution of higher education for the
purpose of an award being given on this basis. The NY Dream Act also creates a new education
law for SUNY and CUNY students to have their tuition rates lowered by awards and student
loans.
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Does the Conflict Involve Large Groups, or is it relevant to only a small group?
The conflict involves large groups, based on the large level of organizations supporting it,
along with many members of the Assembly and Senate supporting it.
Who is in Favor of the Bill and Why?
The NY Dream Act is being supported by a wide range of groups. Such groups include
1199SEIU, Arab-American Association of New York, Brooklyn College DREAM Team,
Cabrini Immigrant Services, Chicano Caucus of Columbia University, Children’s Defense Fund
– New York, Chinese Progressive Association, Citizens’ Committee for Children of New York,
Coalition for Asian American Children & Families (CACF), Domestic Workers United,
DREAMS Scholars, DRM Capitol Group, Ecuadorian International Center (EIC), Greater
Rochester Coalition for Immigration Justice (GRCIJ), Hispanic Federation, Jews for Racial and
Economic Justice (JREJ), Kids for College, La Fuente-NYCPP, La Fuerza Unida, LatinoJustice
PRLDEF, Lehman DREAM Team, Little Sisters of the Assumption, Long Island Immigrant
Students Association, Long Island Jobs with Justice, Make The Road New York, May 1st
Coalition, Migrant Support Services of Wayne County NY (MSS), MinKwon Center for
Community Action, Northern Manhattan Coalition for Immigrant Rights (NMCIR), New York
Association for Gender Rights Advocacy (NYAGRA), New York Civic Participation Project
(NYCPP), New York Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, New York
Immigration Coalition, New York Province of the Society of Jesus, New York State Higher
Education- PAC, NYS Interfaith Network for Immigration Reform, New York State Youth
Leadership Council, NYPIRG, Queens Pride House, Rockland Immigration Coalition, Sauti
Yetu Center for African Women, SEIU 32BJ, The Black Institute, Transport Workers Union
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Local, United NY, Wayne Action for Racial Equality (WARE), and the Youth Action Changes
Things (Y-ACT) (NY Dream Act.org)
The NY Dream Act is currently being supported and sponsored by Assemblymembers
Francisco Moya (who introduced the bill), Crespo, Rivera, Kim, Farrell, Aubry, Castro, Weprin,
Jaffe, Brennan, Thiele, Roberts, Gibson, Lavine, Rosenthal, Boyland, Stevenson, Perry, Maisel,
Schimel, Cahill, Ramos, Espinal, Clark, Miller, DenDekker, Arroyo, Kellner, Paulin,. The bill is
being supported and multi-sponsored by Assemblymembers Cymbrowitz, Dinowitz, Gottfried,
Hooper, Lifton, Millman, Nolan, and Russell. (A22)
Assemblyman Francisco Moya, sponsor of the Assembly version of the NY Dream Act,
discussed how the New York Dream Act would open up the opportunity for undocumented
immigrants to live the American Dream that generations before them were allowed to
experience. Assemblyman Moya further stated that young immigrants from New York had only
known their residence to be New York, given that they were brought over to New York by their
parents at a young age since they were in pursuit of a better life. Assemblyman Moya
specifically mentioned his opinion that the status of immigration on a person should not impact
whether or not they receive higher education. (Moya, Interview, Legislative Gazette)
Several additional statements have been made by supporters of the New York Dream Act.
Assemblywoman Glick made a statement on the Dream Act, stating “for the state’s immigrant
youth, their path to the American Dream has many obstacles, but through the DREAM Act they
will have a greater opportunity to overcome those barriers and access the financial support they
need to pursue a college education and make their dreams come true.” (Velasquez, Legislative
Gazette) Assemblyman Moya’s parents are immigrants from Ecuador, in which he said “The
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national tide is turning. It is time for New York to once again rise to the occasion and act as a
beacon of progressive policy." (Velasquez, Legislative Gazette) Assemblyman Moya represents
a district with a very large population of immigrants. In a statement released by John King, the
New York State Education Commissioner, "Young New Yorkers who are willing to work hard
and study hard should not be denied educational opportunities simply on the basis of their
parent's immigration status. The Board [of Regents] strongly supports legislation —like the
DREAM Act— that will give undocumented students the opportunity to access higher
education." (Velasquez, Legislative Gazette)
As of February 18th, 2013, the NY Dream Act became one step closer to passing. The bill
was passed through the Higher Education Committee chaired by Assemblywoman Deborah
Glick. It was announced by Speaker Silver, Assemblyman Francisco Moya, and
Assemblywoman Deborah Glick that the State Development Relief Education for Alien Minors
Act had been passed by the Higher Education Committee. This means that the New York Dream
Act could be brought to the Assembly floor for a vote shortly. (Velasquez, Legislative Gazette)
The New York Dream Act is supported by the Democratic Conference, according to State
Senator Adriano Espaillat, yet showed his concern about the bill being supported by the
Independent Democratic Conference whom they would need reach a senate majority with.
Senator Espaillat announced his intention to have a conference with the press with senators who
are Latino to motivate the Senate to include funding for the New York Dream Act in their
budget. As discussed by Senator Espaillat, “Although there is a federal version of the DREAM
Act, it’s important to pass this bill at the state level because there are clauses at the federal level
that might not get included and the we could include, especially when it comes to funding.”
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(Acosta, Voices of NY) “Twenty-five million dollars for the DREAM Act, as the Assembly has
included in its plan, really isn’t much for the state budget, which is around $137 billion. If the
funding for the DREAM Act is not included now, it could complicate the approval further down
the line.” (Acosta, Voices of NY)
Hispanic Federation President Jose Calderon discussed the passage of the New York
Dream Act as a top goal for his organization. SEIU Local 32BJ President Hector Figueroa
discussed how both documented and undocumented workers pay taxes, of which part goes to
support programs that support students on the statewide level. As discussed by Figueroa, “We
believe that undocumented students whose parents brought them here have the right not only to
higher education, but also to have access to those funds, just like families who pay taxes in the
state.” (Acosta, Voices of NY) Based on information gathered from the City University of New
York, 146,000 youngsters who went to the New York City Public Schools qualify for financial
aid under federal and state law. (Acosta, Voices of NY)
The Staten Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has come out in support of the New
York Dream Act, in response to questions brought forth by its constituents. In its endorsement of
the bill, the Staten Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has praised the leader of the
Democratic Party for Richmond County, John Gulino , and Assemblyman Matthew Titone for
clearing up confusion surrounding this bill. There has been a significant amount of confusion
surrounding the New York Dream Act, with many people in Staten Island under the belief that
the financial aid assistance given to undocumented immigrants would be taken away from
victims of Hurricane Sandy. This confusion was generated by such statements made my
Assemblywoman Maliotakis on the matter. (Albany Times Union)
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The Staten Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has further disputed these claims
made my Assemblywoman Maliotakis, saying that they are in stark contrast of the key beliefs
displayed by the local Republican Party in Staten Island. Republican leader Robert Scamardella,
in an article for the Staten Island Advance published on September 20th, 2010 mentioned that
"This country has been built on the backs of immigrants. Frankly, the Mexican laborers that
populate our Island are mirror images of my Italian ancestors who did the same labor 60
years ago." (Albany Times Union)
Lawmakers that are Hispanic have been pushing for Passage of the Dream Act as talks
about the state budget are nearing their conclusion. State Senator Peralta of Queens mentioned
that immigrants would be more willing to pay taxes later on if the state helps them go to college.
Jeffrey Klein, leader of the Independent Democratic Coalition has previously been a big
supporter of the New York State Dream Act, yet has not included the Dream Act in the state
budget. However, Senator Peralta is fighting to have the Dream Act included in the state budget
being proposed. (DeWitt, North Country Public Radio)
Organizations coming out in support of the New York Dream Act have argued that
political trends on the statewide and national levels have helped in their push for a reform on
immigration, with the Republican and Democratic parties being dependent on the votes of
Latinos. Chung-Wha Hong, executive director of the New York State Immigration Coalition said
that “we can no longer exclude New York’s Dream youth from the promise of higher education
afforded their classmates.” (Bennington Banner Local News) Scott Reif, a spokesperson for the
Senate Republicans stated that senate Republicans would consider various proposals given to
them by Assembly Speaker Silver on the Dream Act. (Bennington Banner Local News)
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Who is Opposed to the Bill?
Republican members of the Assembly are very skeptical of and in opposition to the
proposed Dream Act. Republican Assemblywoman Maliotakis of Staten Island criticized the
Dream Act, in which she thought the Dream Act was an ill-advised bill that is an insult to
American citizens that pay their taxes and immigrants that arrive in the country legally, like the
parents of Assemblywoman Maliotakis, who had great difficulty paying tuition.
Assemblywoman Maliotakis intertwined the Dream Act with Hurricane Sandy, saying
that the Dream Act was “misplaced” (Velasquez, Legislative Gazette) in Hurricane Sandy
funding, arguing that there should be more focus on the victims of Hurricane Sandy than
immigrants who are undocumented. Assemblywoman Maliotakis mentioned that if brought to a
vote, she would vote no on the Dream Act. (Velasquez, Legislative Gazette) Governor Cuomo
has refused to weigh in on whether or not he supports the New York Dream Act. (NY Daily
News) Governor Cuomo has stated that he would like to see the federal government take action
on immigration policy before New York State does. (North Country Public Radio) The NY
Dream Act currently has 22 sponsors in the New York State Senate, and if the Senate and
Governor include funding for the Dream Act in their budgets, the issue of financial aid being
denied to undocumented immigrants could be resolved. (NY Daily News)
There has been a great deal of concern that the New York Dream Act will be put aside as
it was last year, even though it has garnered a great deal of support in the Assembly.
Positions Taken on the Bill by the Leadership in Each House:
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver is also a strong supporter of the NY Dream Act. In an
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interview with WCBS 880AM, a news-radio station in New York City, Silver has strongly
advocated for the passage of this bill, saying that the State of New York should help immigrants
who are undocumented by able to attend college. In his interview with WCBS, the Speaker
argued that the Dream Act “would give young immigrants access to a broad range of state
educational opportunities such as tuition assistance, higher education opportunity programs,
collegiate science and technology entry programs, and opportunity programs that are available at
community colleges.” (Silver, Interview, WCBS 880AM)
Speaker Silver also discussed that the NY Dream Act would enable “immigrant families
to take advantage of the New York State college tuition savings programs, which make it easier
to save money and pay for their children’s educational dreams.” (Silver, WCBS 880AM) The
Speaker further mentioned that passage of the New York Dream Act would make New York
State a leader in the nation. Speaker Silver continued to express his support for the Dream Act,
stating the growing population of immigrants in New York State and how this could serve as a
template for pushing Congress to act on immigration reform on the federal level. (Silver,
Interview, WCBS 880AM)
The Speaker debunked arguments by those in opposition to the Dream Act who said that
it would encourage activity on an illegal level and pin illegal immigrants against United States
citizens for slots onto the college level saying that the New York Dream act was not about that.
As discussed by Silver, the New York Dream act is about children of immigrants coming into the
United States at two to three years of age and the need for the state to invest in making them
citizens that are beneficial New York citizens. Speaker Silver said that this should be the case,
given that New York State has been known as a melting pot. Although there are a handful of
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Republicans in opposition to the Dream Act, Silver hinted towards a potential step towards a
consensus, with the Senate (largely controlled by the Republican Party) talking about
establishing a Dream Fund, with Senator Klein talking about a Dream Act. (Silver, Interview,
WCBS 880AM)
Democratic Senator Jeffrey Klein, who represents portions of the Bronx and Westchester
County in New York has stated that he is making the Dream Act a top priority for him. His own
proposal would include $19.5 million worth of state financial aid from a licensing fee that would
come from the proposed expansion of gambling in casinos. As discussed by Senator Klein, “We
have a tremendous opportunity to help educate thousands of smart young people from around the
world who have moved here to pursue the American dream.” (Klein, Interview, Bennington
Banner Local News)
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver has allocated $25 Million in funding for the New
York State Dream Act. The Speaker stated that “investing in our future and the future economic
success of our state remains a top priority for the Assembly Majority.” (Silver, Interview,
Legislative Gazette) Speaker Silver further explained that this was the reasoning behind the
allocation of $25 Million worth of financial aid young immigrants, stating this as an investment
designed to improve the future, economy, and those children who wish to pursue their dreams.
(Silver, Interview, Legislative Gazette)
Policy Analysis Done on Bill:
Research has been done on the New York Dream Act, which was demonstrated in a
report by the Fiscal Policy Institute that showed that 5500 undocumented immigrants would get
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access to the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) if the New York Dream Act gets passed. The
Tuition Assistance Program is funded by New York State. Javier Valdes, who is affiliated with
the organization, Make the Road New York that is a strong supporter of the New York Dream
Act discussed the importance of the New York State Senate including the New York Dream Act
in their budget like the New York State Assembly did. Valdes further spoke of the importance of
hearing Governor Cuomo, leaders of the senate Skelos and Klein who according to Valdes have
not taken a position on the New York Dream Act. (Acosta, Voices of NY)
At the lobbying day for the New York Immigration Coalition in February of 2013, the
Fiscal Policy Institute of New York gave a financial reading of the New York State Dream Act.
The Fiscal Policy Institute labeled the New York Dream Act as a good investment for the State
of New York, explaining that the cost of the New York Dream Act would be $17 million
annually, which is two percent of what is paid for by New York State altogether in funding for
the Tuition Assistance Program. According to the report by the Fiscal Policy Institute, students
going for a degree of two years would make $10,000 more a year than those who did not pursue
that degree. This in turn, according to the study, adds an extra $1000 annually in local and state
revenues. Students who receive a bachelors degree, according to the study, get an additional
$25,000 annually, which tacks on an extra $3900 annually in state and local revenue with regard
to taxes. (Branfalt Jr., LegislativeGazette)
Based on the mathematical research done by the Fiscal Policy Institute, if the Dream Act
were paid for by income taxes on the state level, taxpayers would pay “between $45,000 and
$49,000 per year 87 cents annually.” (Branfalt Jr., LegislativeGazette) The report released by the
Fiscal Policy Institute also notes that “the national Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
policy” (Branfalt Jr., LegislativeGazette) would mean that immigrants of college age who are
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undocumented would be able to work and live in New York State for “renewable two year
periods” (Branfalt Jr., LegislativeGazette), as opposed to having jobs that pay minimum wage or
lower. Therefore, according to the report, New York State should give help to these possible
students so they can make an income that is higher, which would in turn give higher revenues in
taxes to the State of New York. (Branfalt Jr., LegislativeGazette)
Implications of Legislation for my Member’s District:
The legislation has high implications for my member’s district, due to the high level of
immigrants in his district. There have been no known public statements issued on the part of my
member, or from constituents or district newspapers.
Prospects for This Legislation:
Since the New York Dream Act has previously passed the Assembly and recently went
through committee, this makes it likely to pass the Assembly before the session concludes. There
could be difficulty getting it passed in the Senate, yet the new agreement and sharing power in
the New York State Senate between Republicans and Democrats who are Independent, raises the
chances of the bill being passed more than it has before. (Fink, YNN Rochester)
I am cautiously optimistic and certain that the New York Dream Act will be passed. As
the level of undocumented immigrants has risen in the New York, so has the need for jobs. In the
United States, good, higher paying jobs result from access to quality higher education. Many
children of undocumented immigrants wind up in the United States through no involvement of
their own, as their parents had come to the United States in search of a better life.
Since the 19th century, an increasing amount of people have immigrated to the United
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States in an effort to escape the oppression that existed in their home country. They had come to
achieve the prosperity and success in the United States so blatantly absent in their homelands.
These immigrants largely came through New York at the gates of Ellis Island. They came to the
Manhattan Island finding jobs and eventually becoming the job-creators that helped build the
American Dream of owning a business, and passing it on to generations to follow. The New
York Dream Act is built around the concept that New York State can restore the American
Dream by giving undocumented immigrants the financial tools to go to college, so that that they
can be prepared with the tools to succeed in the job-force and ultimately be able to live a
successful life, or the American Dream.
The origins of this bill are built on the fact that the United States is and has been for most
of its history a country of immigrants, especially New York State, given that it was an entry
point for most immigrants. As the level of immigrants has risen, so has the demand for jobs,
which are largely carried out by undocumented immigrants. Additionally, the fact that many
undocumented workers have been law-abiding citizens and dutiful taxpayers further motivates
the drive and motivation to get the New York Dream act passed. Additionally, given that there
are multiple organizations and politicians in favor of the New York Dream Act, especially the
powerful Speaker of the Assembly Sheldon Silver, I am confident that the New York Dream Act
will become law. I am also confident that the New York Dream Act will become law given that
Republicans on the federal level from Florida Senator Marco Rubio to House Majority Leader
Eric Cantor are in support of something along the lines of a Dream Act that can put
undocumented immigrants on the academic pathway to success.
Since New York State has been a leader of the major reforms that were adopted on the
federal level, this will help motivate the passage of the New York Dream Act. With the desire of
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many politicians to put New York in the lead of reforms to be adopted on the federal level and
Republicans on the federal level coming around in support of some kind of Dream
Act/immigration reform, more pressure will be put on New York State Republicans I the New
York State senate to act on adopting the New York Dream Act. Additionally, with the increasing
amount of voters who are related to immigrants, there will be more of a drive for politicians on
both sides of the political aisle in New York State to act on passing the New York State Dream
Act.
Strategies for Passing the Dream Act if it is not passed:
If the New York Dream Act was not passed, I would suggest that Democratic members of
New York State Assembly and Senate members inform their constituents about the bill from the
grassroots level. By doing so, these members of the New York State legislature would be
knocking on doors of constituents in their districts, handing out flyers and explaining the Dream
Act to their constituents. Members would also be fielding questions from their constituents,
clarifying any discrepancies or uncertainties on the New York Dream Act.
If the New York Dream Act was not passed, I would further suggest that members of the
State Legislature hold town-hall style meetings with their constituents to discuss the Dream Act
with them and hear from their constituents on the bill. It is constituents that largely shape the
Democratic Process and keep their elected officials in office. By holding these town-hall
meetings, constituents can hear from their Assemblyperson and State Senator on the bill, and
become more well-informed on the specifics of it. Members of the legislature will be more
willing to act on something if their constituents increase the pressure on them to do so.
In order for legislative members to listen to their constituents and get the Dream Act
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passed (if it fails to become law in this legislative session), Governor Cuomo’s calls for an
independent redistricting commission need to go into effect. By legislative members have a more
diverse combination of constituents (Political Party enrollment and ethnicity), more constituent
voices will be heard, which will pressure the passage of the New York State Dream Act. An
independent and non-partisan redistricting commission will help ensure passage of the New York
Dream Act.
Lessons about the Intersection of Politics and Policy in this Bill:
Based on the issue of undocumented immigrants currently being denied financial aid
access to higher education, I have learned that politics and policy directly work hand in hand. It
is the political environment surrounding the New York Dream Act, which includes the pressures
being put on elected officials by many organizations, which will influence the policy surrounding
it in New York State and help it achieve its passage.
Has Democracy Been Well-Served by the Legislative Process Around this Issue?
I think Democracy has been well-served by the legislative process around this issue.
Legislatures would be voting in favor of this issue, and serving the needs of the people around
them, particularly those undocumented immigrants searching for a brighter future, beginning
with the pathway to accessing it, which is higher education. This can be achieved through the
passage of the New York State Dream Act now.
Works Cited:
Acosta, Jose. " Latino Officials Push for NY DREAM Act to be Included in State Budget."
Voices of NY . 03 Mar 2013: n. page. Web. 31 Mar. 2013. <http://voicesofny.org/2013/03/latino-
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officials-push-for-ny-dream-act-to-be-included-in-state-budget/>.
Branfalt, TG Jr. . "Fiscal Policy Institute releases DREAM Act calculations." Legislative Gazette
[Albany] 27 Feb 2013, n. pag. Web. 31 Mar. 2013. <http://www.legislativegazette.com/Articles-
Top-Stories-c-2013-02-27-82782.113122-Fiscal-Policy-Institute-releases-DREAM-Act-
calculations.html>.
"Eye On Politics: Sheldon Silver Pushes N.Y. DREAM Act." WCBS Newsradio 880: WCBS,
New York City , 02 07 2013. Radio. <http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2013/02/07/eye-on-politics-
sheldon-silver-pushes-ny-dream-act/>.
"Hispanic lawmakers push for NYS "DREAM Act" ." North Country Public Radio: 03 march
2013. Radio. <http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/21631/20130318/hispanic-
lawmakers-push-for-nys-dream-act>.
"Lawmakers pushing for passage of Dream Act." YNN Rochester : 02 Feb 2013. Radio.
<http://rochester.ynn.com/content/politics/640688/lawmakers-pushing-for-passage-of-dream-
act/>.
"Organizational Supporters New York Dream Act." New York Dream Act Tap Into the Future .
N.p.. Web. 31 Mar 2013. <http://www.nydreamact.org/organizational-supporters/>.
"N.Y. Dream Act would provide aid to illegal immigrants." Bennington Banner 01 22 2013, n.
pag. Web. 31 Mar. 2013. <http://www.benningtonbanner.com/local/ci_22421633/n-y-dream-act-
would-provide-aid-illegal>.
"Staten Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Supports New York Dream Act; Lauds Titone,
Gulino; Questions Malliotakis' Superstorm Sandy Comments ." Albany Times Union [Albany ]
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02 Feb 2013 , n. pag. Web. 31 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.timesunion.com/business/press-releases/article/Staten-Island-Hispanic-Chamber-of-
Commerce-4312319.php>.
Velasquez, Josefa . "DREAM Act reported out of Assembly Higher Ed.." Legislative Gazette
[Albany] 02 18 2013, n. pag. Web. 31 Mar. 2013. <http://www.legislativegazette.com/Articles-
Top-Stories-c-2013-02-18-82687.113122-DREAM-Act-reported-out-of-Assembly-Higher-
Ed.html>.