Depending on the outcome of tomorrow’s elections, Maryland could be the first state to pass a proposal similar to the DREAM Act by popular vote that would allow undocumented immigrant students to pay in-state college tuition instead of out-of-state tuition.
“We have a constitutional obligation to provide a public education for every child in our state,” says Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley. “But we should not allow our nation’s broken immigration system to serve as an excuse to escape our basic, moral obligation to expand opportunity for all Marylanders, provided they graduated from a Maryland high school, pay taxes in our state, and are on a path toward citizenship.”
Governor O’Malley signed the law in May 2011, which was then temporarily blocked in July when opponents prevented it from moving. Polls show that 59% of likely voters support the law.
The Maryland Institute for Policy Analysis and Research at the University of Maryland issued a report stating that the Maryland DREAM Act would be a financial and economic benefit for the state. If passed, it is estimated that about $66 million per year would be added to the state’s economy.
If this proposal passes on Election day, the students would become eligible by meeting certain requirements, such as including proof that these students have attended a high school in the state for three years; their parents paid income taxes during that time; complete 60 credit hours or graduate from a community college; and state their intent to apply for permanent residency and register with the selective service, if required.
“The Maryland DREAM Act is not about politics: it’s about our future and the future of our students,” says Dr. Joshua Starr, Superintendent of Montgomery County Public Schools. “The Act would simply allow hard-working students who have been in our system for years to pursue the dream of post-secondary education and receive in-state tuition rates. A college education is often the key to unlocking opportunity and all students—regardless of where they were born or their parents were born—deserve the chance to have a bright future and be a productive member of society. I fully support the Maryland DREAM Act.”
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UPDATE:
After Tuesday’s election, results show that Maryland voters are in favor for the DREAM Act, and will be approved by the state.
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