Ohio’s version of the DREAM Act, designed to make the children of illegal immigrants eligible for in-state tuition and financial aid, was rolled out this week by a pair of Senate Democrats.
“This bill is necessary to offer all students the chance of achieving the American dream,” said Sen. Charleta B. Tavares, D-Columbus, who jointly sponsored the bill with Sen. Tom Sawyer, D-Akron. “This country was built on the foundation of encouraging individuals to reach their highest potential. We should not penalize young people for striving for success.”
The Tuition Equity Act is modeled after laws in states including Texas and California. Republicans in New York last week blocked a similar bill.
To be eligible, an individual must graduate from high school in Ohio, have attended high school in Ohio for three years before graduation, register as an entering student not earlier than fall 2012, and provide the institution with an affidavit stating that he or she will file an application to become a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident.
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